The official presentation of the series saw the participation of a Chinese delegation led by the deputy director of the China Film Archive, Zhang Xuxia, who pointed out the importance of an activity that makes an audiovisual tour, from the ‘30s of the 20th century to this day. The film that will open the series “El chico león” (2021), is an example of the latest trends in Chinese animation. The film, which registered maximum attendance with a subsequent colloquium, gives voice to teenagers through themes such as fellowship, bullying and the search for identity. For the director of the ICUV, “this Chinese Cinema Film Series will serve to better the understanding of the culture, customs and idiosyncrasy of a deeply rooted-in-time civilisation such as the Chinese one, through its seventh art, one of the cultural manifestation that better define our contemporary societies”.

The series will make available the watching of four great classics that have left unforgettable marks on cinema history and collective memory of the country. “Angel de la calle” (1937) and “Cuervos y gorriones” (1949) offer a realistic portrayal, with great sense of humour, of Chinese society in troubled times of the past century. “Cinco flores de oro” (1959) is an interesting view on ethnic minorities, and “Alboroto en el cielo” (1961), a significant Chinese animation gem with multiple international awards, based on the literary classic Journey to the West.

Likewise, three other films of recent production that portray a kaleidoscope of the current cinema of this country are presented. “Hombre en la Luna” (2022), based on a homonym comic by Korean author Cho Seok, is a fusion of comedy and sci-fi. The series is complemented with “Cultivando estrellas” (2022), a drama of great authenticity and human value; and “En busca del sueño”, a unique documentary that pays homage to a variety of filmmakers of Chinese origin in the sector.

Former and current students of the ICUV can assist free of charge to the projections that they wish in this series, sending an e-mail to instituto.confucio@uv.es. In the projection seen yesterday, attendance was maxed out and no more invitations could be accepted. In this Cinema Film Series also participates the Babel Cineclub, headed by professor of the Universitat de València Manuel de la Fuente.