Annual Chinese Showcase

About the 2006 Showcase

Generation Gap in Chinese Cinema

In recent years, many young,
independent Chinese filmmakers have launched into the global spot light. Ironically, their films may not even be known by Chinese audiences, but have won the top international prizes. The world is moved by clever narrative, sharp social criticism with a touch of surrealism. Chinese film directors who made a name for themselves in the West, people like Zhang Yimou (China) and Ang Lee (Taiwan) were in many ways traditionalists who explore the richness of China's cultural history and examine how that heritage had changed over the years and transformed as the monumental events of the Twentieth Century changed both China and the rest of the world. There is a shift in outlook among Chinese filmmakers. New generation directors possess a much different attitude and filmmaking approach than the previous generations. How different that is, and why so different will be the highlights of the 2006 Chinese Film Showcase. The Festival will compare directors from 3 regions - China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Through each generation's works we see a changing society and the way people live and adapt over time. By comparing the different generation's works, we appreciate and analyze how such differences and similarities enrich the film language as a whole.
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About the 2005 Showcase

Comedy in Chinese Cinema

Comedy has come into its own and become the mainstream in recent Chinese cinema. Many of these films, such as Stephen Chow's "Shaolin Soccer," "Kung Fu Hustle," and Feng Xiaogang's "Big Shot's Funeral," have won international acclaim and been commercially released in the United States.

In the midst of the excitement caused by the tremendous success of many Chinese directors and comedians, an attempt to recapitulate the traditions and the development of Chinese comedy seems only timely, and helpful in aiding a better understanding of its popularity. The 2005 Chinese Film Showcase will take on this role, introducing and analyzing "Comedy In Chinese Cinema." The series will present the different periods and diverse sub-cultures existing in the comedy genre.
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About the 2004 Showcase

At a time of uncertainty of war and recession, popular culture turns to the fantasy themes which are reflected in the Hollywood films (such as: LORD OF THE RINGS; HARRY POTTER series)  that feature western witches or supernatural heroes.  There are no exceptions for films from Asian countries, such as Japanese horror films "THE RING", "JU-ON" have made their ways into America's mainstream theaters.  People look for such films as an escape from their problems, and imagine the magic power as a means to change the world.  In responding to the trend, We are devoting this showcase to supernatural forces and examining the relationship between horror films and contemporary society.  We have selected films rich in content and creativity, and examine each period of history of the "Phantom and Ghost" films; many of which also integrate traditional Chinese philosophies of reincarnation.
View 2004 Series

About the 2003 Showcase

Asian Media Access' Eighth Annual Chinese Film Showcase 2003 featured the Art of Martial Chivalry, an examination of the wu xia pian (kung fu film) progression. Taking the Shaw Brothers' early classics, the Showcase features a retrospective overview of different kung-fu and directing styles.
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About the 2001 Showcase

The 2001 collection features a total of 13 films - 3 from Taiwan, 5 from China and 5 from Hong Kong and personal appearance by directors - Mr. Lawrence Ah Mon and Ms. Yu shan Huang.

The return of Hong Kong to China is a rite of passage for the former British colony and it is more than a simple case of a lost child returning to its mother. 'Identity' has often been thrown around when it comes to discussing Hong Kong, but rightfully so considering the intersection of histories, languages, interests and cultures that have come together to forge this Special Administrative Region (SAR).
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About the 2000 Showcase

This year we focus on the Images of Women in Chinese Cinema, looking at three different subject categories, and featuring several prominent and talented female Chinese directors. The films are from Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the Mainland, as are our directors.
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About the 1999 Showcase

The theme for 1999 was "5 Millenia of Chinese History through Chinese Film". It offered historical perspectives covering 5,000 years of Chinese history.
View 1999 Series

About the 1998 Showcase

Hong Kong filmmaker Stanley Kwan feels that Chinese cinema has dealt with questions of gender and sexuality more frankly and more provocatively than any other national cinema. Keeping with its mission of presenting essential Asian cinema, AMA's Showcase will explore Kwan's claim with two weeks of regional premieres and recent filmic events from Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the People's Republic of China.
View 1998 Series

About the 1997 Showcase

The imminent reunification of Hong Kong with the People's Republic of China will occur in 1997. It is an issue that has been explored in a number of recent Chinese films. The Showcase will offer a realistic depiction of contemporary urban life in Hong Kong, and to capture the anxiety of the uncertainty. The Showcase will include the style and quality of films from diverse but linked by a common past and future.
View 1997 Series