A Shared Celebration of Film and Culture: The Triumph of the Third Leicester Chinese Film Festival
Release Time: 2024-12-03Views:
On the evening of 25th November, 2024, the Third Leicester Chinese Film Festival unfolded in a blaze of cultural brilliance at the Leicester Showcase Cinema. Co-presented by the Confucius Institute at De Montfort University (DMU CI), the School of Humanities at De Montfort University and Performing Arts and NGO UK-China Film Collab, the event drew a vibrant and diverse audience from across the UK and beyond, filling the air with a tangible hum of eager anticipation and vibrant excitement, as cultures intertwined and celebrated in unison.
Before the official opening ceremony, the spirit of Chinese culture was brought to life through a series of enthralling performances by volunteer teachers from the Confucius Institute. A lively and enthusiastic Yangko Dance with rhythmic movements and vibrant energy performed by CI teacher Jiaying first evoked spontaneous applause and eager photographers. Then a beautiful zither solo "Fishing Boat Singing in the Evening" by Ziqi and a stirring rendition of the timeless Chinese song Jasmine Flower by CI teachers kicked off the opening ceremony of the film Festival in the celebratory atmosphere.
As the opening ceremony commenced, Prof. Louise Peacock, Head of School of Humanities at De Montfort University, Professor Wei Gu, Co-Director of the Confucius Institute, and Dr. Hiu Man Chan, DMU lecturer and also the founder of the UK-China Film Collab, took the stage. Their warm, welcoming words expressed gratitude for the continued support of the Confucius Institute and Chinese films, while underscoring the festival’s vital role as a bridge for cultural exchange. After the speech, the ceremony was punctuated by extraordinary performances from CI volunteer teachers, local Chinese instrumental groups and DMU students. From the elegance of traditional Chinese instrumental ensembles to the vigour of modern dance, operatic singing, and Tai Chi fan demonstrations, the evening showcased a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, leaving the audience spellbound and deeply moved.
Following the cultural showcase, the festival's opening film, Leap of Faith , a documentary focusing on the story of the bond between four young riders and their horse companions, captivated the audience with its emotional depth and profound storytelling. The film sparked vibrant discussions and resonated deeply with viewers, heralding the commencement of an unforgettable cinematic journey.
As the only event in the Midlands to focus exclusively on Chinese/Chinese language film, this year's festival, over the course of a week under the theme "Action", features a selection of outstanding films including equestrian, martial arts, animation, Cantonese classics and thought-provoking documentaries to present a captivating mosaic of Chinese films at Leicester's most influential Showcase Cinema De Lux and the Phoenix Cinema and Art Center. Notable premieres such as Leap of Faith and The Sinking of Lisbon Maru delighted diverse audiences, catering to every taste and fostering cross-cultural understanding. Each film, carefully chosen, served as a powerful medium through which the cultures of China and the UK were woven together, strengthening the bonds of mutual respect and shared appreciation.
As a tradition, the festival also continued to host a programme of cultural events in parallel, including free Mandarin lessons, heritage performances and Tai-Chi lessons by DMU CI to further enrich the experience. A series of film-themed workshops like Chinese Calligraphy, Drawing Monkey King Masks, Chinese Jiangnan Architecture and Food and Dining Etiquette in China immersed attendees in the nuances of Chinese culture, also leaving a good memory for this cultural trip.
As the curtain fell on the Third Leicester Chinese Film Festival on 1st December, it was clear that the event had once again fulfilled its mission of fostering cultural exchange between China and the UK. Over the course of three years, the Festival has become a cornerstone of mutual understanding, offering audiences a window into the soul of China through its remarkable films and vibrant cultural activities. As the final moments of the Festival unfolded, guests showered the event with praise, lauding the exceptional programming and its ability to cultivate a deeper connection between cultures. Many expressed their longing to visit China, eager to immerse themselves in its vibrant traditions and experience its extraordinary cultural heritage first hand.
Draft: Yundi Jin
Revision: Wei Gu & Jieli Liu
