CHINESE CLASSICAL CINEMA WEEK

Restored masterpieces from China will be shown for the first time in Bulgaria
 
The Bulgarian National Film Archive and the Chinese Film Archive present a special selection of emblematic Chinese films produced between 1922 and 1992, tracing the development of Chinese cinema across different historical and artistic epochs – from silent cinema to modern interpretations of social and historical themes. The week will be held from 14 to 20 May at the BNFA Cinema Odeon.

All screenings will be presented live by Prof. Andronika Martonova, PhD, cinematographer and Asian cinema specialist at the Institute of Art Studies – BAS, and the main consultant of the event. She is also the author of the annotations to the films in the program.

The program includes some of the most significant works in the history of Chinese cinematography, distinguished by exceptional visual mastery, rich cultural traditions, and deep human sensitivity. All films have been restored in 4K from the Chinese Film Archive, and a large part of them will be presented for the first time on the big screen in Bulgaria.

The event is realised within the framework of the partnership between the Bulgarian National Film Archive and the Chinese Film Archive, as well as in the context of the cooperation between the BNF and the Institute of Art Studies at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences.
 
Chinese Classical Cinema Week offers the Bulgarian audience the rare opportunity to encounter some of the most valuable works of Chinese film heritage in their restored, full-fledged visual appearance.
 
PROGRAMME
14 May, Thursday, 20:00
OPENING
Red Sorghum
(红高粱)
1987, dir. Zhang Yimou, colour, 94 min.
 
15 May, Friday, 20:00
Laborer's Love
(劳工之爱情)
1922, dir. Zhang Shichuan, black-and-white, 25 min.
 
The Goddess
(神女)
1934, dir. Wu Yonggang, black-and-white, 83 min.
 
16 May, Saturday, 16:00
Princess Iron Fan
(铁扇公主)
1941, dir. Wan Laiming / Wang Guchan, animation, black-and-white, 79 min.
 
17 May, Sunday, 17:00
Early Spring
(早春二月)
1963, dir. Xie Tieli, colour, 115 min.
 
18 May, Monday, 18:00
The Black Cannon Incident
(黑炮事件)
1985, dir. Huang Jianxin, colour, 100 min.
 
19 May, Tuesday, 19:30
The Horse Thief
(盗马贼)
1986, dir. Tian Zhuangzhuang, colour, 89 min.
 
20 May, Wednesday, 19:30
Bloody Morning
(血色清晨)
1990, dir. Li Shaohong, colour, 100 min.