What to Watch at Beijing's 11th International Film Festival
After a brief postponement earlier this year, it seems that the 11th annual Beijing International Film Festival is not planning on postponing again, as their Weibo account continues to tout their run dates of Aug 14 through Aug 21, with a schedule of about 15 movies from across more than 10 countries on the list.
Tickets aren't on sale just yet, but they'll be sold on dahepiao.com from RMB 500, so keep an eye on them if you're interested!
Wondering which movie to watch? We’ve compiled this list to make your life easier with some of our favorites!
All About my mother
Ever imagine what it feels like to be an only child in China, overwhelmed by your parents’ attention? All About My Mother tells a story of a daughter in her early twenties who is suffocated by her mother’s love and seeks a place of her own to break free from that burden. Alongside her journey to find her self-worth and her goal to pursue anything that’s not imposed on her by her mother, she discovers some deep secrets about her mom that reveal her past is much more complicated than she had known.
Last Film Show
The Last Film Show tells the story about a 9-year-old Indian boy who discovers movies and discovers a passion for them. He returns to the cinema every day and even becomes friends with the projectionist, who would allow him to watch movies for free in exchange of his lunch boxes. His bittersweet journey of creating his own 35-milimter film project is not without its hurdles — his father, who does not support his dream, becoming the largest obstacle of all.
Caged Birds
Caged Birds follows the story of Jordan Lucas, a black high school senior who has a history of being bullied and lacks the courage to stand up for himself. When his cousin, EJ, is humiliated by a white Bully, Blake, he hires someone to play a prank on Blake — but it doesn't go as expected. The film deals with the experience of living in US suburbs for black kids by through endless dilemmas where they will have to face their internal demons.
A School in Cerro Hueso
German film A School in Cerro Hueso struggles Julia and Antonio face when they find out their small daughter Ema is diagnosed with autism. Ema is reaching school age but is still unable to talk. To help their daughter transition into school successfully, the couple moves to a coastal town located on the banks of the Parana River, the only place that would accept their daughter’s application — thus taking audiences on an exploration of less-considered discrimination that still exists in our society.
–
Moon Rock for Monday
In this acclaimed drama brimming with surprising twists, Monday, a nine-year-old homeschooled Australian girl whose only contact with the outside world is her weekly visit to the hospital, decides to travel to the Moon Rock (also known as Ayer's Rock or Uluru), a place that would allow her wildest imagination and dreams roam freely. By fate, she runs into a sixteen-year-old-Tyler who quickly forms a friendship and decides to go on the road trip with her. The youthful heroism smooths out the intense and all-too-dangerous adventures as they try to escape from her dad who is determined to hunt her down.
READ: Beijing Pops: What’s the Worst Chinese Film of 2020? Ask the Golden Broom!
Images: Weibo, IMDB
