Stepping into the new century, the Chinese film industry is experiencing exponentially growth, from producing less than 100 films a year just a decade ago to over 500 last year, scaling new heights in box-office figures.  The close collaboration of filmmakers from Hong Kong, China and Taiwan with the emergence of new directors has injected new energy into the Chinese language film industry.

This year’s Chinese Film Panorama showcases the works of the “New Forces”; many of the 10 selected films are the directors’ first effort, reflecting their differing style and passion for cinema. Kora is a Tibetan bicycle adventure shot in a realistic style.  Sleepless Fashion is a light-hearted story of contemporary urban life, while Promise is a melancholic look at family relationship.  Memories from the Watchtower is a film set against the tense border dispute days between China and the Soviet Union; No Liar, No Cry is an absurd black humour satire.  The growth and dreams of youths are portrayed through the “parkour” film City Monkey and also in Heaven Eternal, Earth Everlasting.  Lucky Dog and Folk Songs Singing are slices of lives in the north-east provincial town and countryside.  The issue of surrogate motherhood gets a daring treatment in Be a Mother. 

The digital age means drastic change to the film industry and also its hardware.  All the films in this series will be presented in digital formats, bringing a new experience to the audience.