The screening on Sunday 16 April will be followed by an online panel discussion with filmmakers LUO Runxiao, HU Qiao and producer WANG Luka. This programme is in partnership with Berlin NewGen Chinese Film Festival and is part of Chinese Cinema Project.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD KID?

Hair Tie, Egg, Homework Books 

dir. LUO Runxiao 15’ (China)

prod. WANG Luka

As a model student in her elementary school, 11-year-old Lin Yuqi is assigned to give a speech about her family at a parents' meeting. But after Lin finds out that she shares the same secret with a mischievous classmate, she starts to have second thoughts.

A Firecracker Story 

dir. HAO Zhizi 20’ (China, UK)

An 8-year-old boy searches for fireworks on Chinese New Year's Eve, after the firework ban is introduced in this southern Chinese town.

THE PHANTOM OF LIBERTY

The Elusive Joy of Labour 

dir. YU Miao 9’ (France)

*UK Premiere*

A job seeker is going to the unemployment office to find a job. In the search for a job advisor, he comes across an absurd world of self-employment at a mysterious congress held there, where one has to invent a job to find a place in the society.

Shanghai Reset 

dir. HU Qiao 5’ (China)

*UK Premiere*

The system seems to be discussing some things with the people...

AT ELSEWHERE

Walls 

dir. ZHAO Jing 11’ (UK)

*UK Premiere*

Having been supporting her family in China alone for decades, the dry-cleaning shop owner meets a new customer who liberates her from the lonely and colourless life in this foreign land. As a loyal wife who has been sticking to her family responsibilities, she sows doubt in her belief...

Will You Look at Me

dir. HUANG Shuli 20’ (China)

*English Premiere*

As a young Chinese filmmaker returns to his hometown in search for himself, a long overdue conversation with his mother plunges the two of them into a quest for acceptance and love.