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This screening programme explores a collection of Sinophone films whose genres sit in between an ethnographic film, documentary, essay film, and fiction. Through this screening journey, we will engage with various languages, narratives, perspectives, styles and textures of films that come across and reflect on the ever-changing realities of contemporary Chinese society – rich with nuances, obscurities, complexities, and uncertainties. The series will cover four themes, including COVID-19, Gender, Art and Society, and Rural-Urban, and will run from Feb to May 2026.
Session 2 (Gender):
Bad Women of China 中华坏女人
Director: HE Xiaopei
Release year: 2021
Run time: 82 min
Region: Mainland China
Screening Talk and Q&A: with Dr HE Xiaopei (in-person), Q&A chaired by Susie Jolly
Synopsis:
The film documents the life experiences and desires of three generations of Chinese women from the 1920s to the present day, across generations and continents. It is the director’s intention to document women’s sexuality and desires. As women’s voices, experiences and desires are often overshadowed and ignored by the mainstream media; women often unconsciously belittle their own desires, ideals and life experiences, video creation can help women to express their desires and value their personal needs and experiences. By documenting the life stories and desires of women and other neglected groups such as sex workers, people with disabilities, sexually discriminated people and people living with HIV, the director hopes to give voice to oppressed desires
