Art Attack: 10,000 Kuai for Your Photo, On Han Han, and China’s Oscar Fail
We’re still waiting for things to get back into full swing around here, but that means you have some time to: 1) take some photos to try and win a month or two’s rent money, 2) catch up on web news like the accusations of Han Han not being a real writer and China getting snubbed at the Oscars, and 3) sleep. If you don’t like those ideas, you can get your fill of more movie screenings, and aspiring thespians: don’t miss a workshop teaching you how to audition for the stage.
Before we get started on this week's news, we'd like to correct an error in our February issue: The Artjamming Fundraiser organized by Rotaract Beijing is actually taking place on Feb 25, not Feb 23 as stated in the Q&A column in the Living Section. To learn more about Artjamming, check out our full February issue here.
Now on to today's business:
The always-exciting JUE Festival is getting into gear, but even more exciting is how they’re ramping up their photo contest this year. Working together with hip new accessory brand OSPOP (we’re giving our readers a chance to win one of their bags here), they’re offering a grand prize of RMB 10,000 to the winner, and RMB 3,000 to the runner-up. This year’s theme? Work. Check out the photo contest’s official website for details, and get snappin’!
Next up, on Han Han:
In case you haven’t been keeping up, the Han Han ordeal all starts with him posting three surprising and ambitious posts covering his thoughts on three huge (and we mean HUGE) issues. We won’t list their titles here, but Evan Osnos of the New Yorker gave his thoughts and analysis here in late December.
For the diligent, Roland Soong has provided some translations of Han Han’s blogs here, but as you can imagine, you might need to do some climbing to get to them.
Of course, netizens and Weibo folks had a thing or three to say about Han Han’s viewpoints, and it soon escalated into a few people (mainly bloggers Mai Tian and Fang Zhouzi – who's become the main lightning rod for the whole tiff) accusing Han Han of building his meteoric career off ghostwritten works. Ouch.
Here, on The New York Times' Opinion blog, True Run Media alum Eric Abrahamsen (now of Paper Republic fame) responds more to the controversy.
Finally, a fairly comical (I mean that quite literally ... you'll see) take on the growing feud between Han Han and Fang Zhouzi at Danwei.com here.
... And in case you’re wondering, the Weibo crowd seems very clearly to have chosen sides:
In other news, The Wall Street Journal seems to think China’s been snubbed at the Oscars – and they seem to suggest that at least Flowers of War is missing out partly due to Western media bias. While I haven’t seen Taiwan’s Seediq Bale (the other Oscar hopeful for the region, and one that actually made the short list), I’m not confident that Flowers of War could have won a nomination even if people were biased towards it. As a more China-savvy (and possibly pro-China?) crowd, what are your thoughts?
And of course, check out all the event details below for things to do while your friends are still off on vacation or visiting their (or their ayi’s) laojia. Lots of films to catch (from Red Sorghum at the BC MOMA to Kung Fu Panda at Sanlitun SOHO), not to mention a great drama workshop hosted by Beijing Playhouse.
Stay warm and use sunscreen.
Event details:
Feb 3
Film: Belmonte
For anyone who’s ever thought: “When I grow up, I want to be a bullfighter!” Catch the story of the legendary matador alongside Instituto Cervantes’ “Bullfighting From Behind the Barrier” photo exhibit. Free (reservation required). 7.30pm. Instituto Cervantes (5879 9666)
Feb 4
Film: Suzhou River
Lou Ye’s groundbreaking Sixth Generation film follows a love story in the chaotic factories and abandoned warehouses of a rapidly developing Shanghai. Reservation required; email contact@ cultureyard.net. RMB 25 (includes soft drinks and popcorn).7pm. Culture Yard (8404 4166)
Feb 5
Film: Kung Fu Panda
Skadoosh. Free. 6.30pm. Mandarin Plus (5785 3361)
Film: Red Sorghum
Zhang Yimou at his directorial best, with a young Gong Li and Jiang Wen to boot. A young bride takes over her leprous husband’s wine distillery after his mysterious death. RMB 40, RMB 30 (students and seniors), RMB 25 (members). 4pm. BC MOMA (8438 8258)
Feb 5 & 9
Film: From Here to Eternity
Modernista’s film series takes us to Hawaii. In this first screening, we wash up on the beach with Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr in the months before the attack on Pearl Harbor. Buy-one-get-one-free on Hawaii-themed cocktails. Free. 5.30pm. Modernista (136 9142 5744)
Feb 7
Drama Workshop: How to Audition
The director and other members of the Oklahoma! team offer valuable tips on how to wow at a stage audition. Free. 6.30-8pm. Hot Cat Club (6538 4716)
Photos: http://evan.vnexpress.net, Weibo.com, Cameraonlaird.com
