They Love the 80s: How Millennial Filmmakers Changed Chinese Cinema

Chinese millennials were the first generation to benefit from both life-changing technology like digital video cameras, cell phones and the internet, and also the booming film industry across the globe. 

Learn how those changes affected an entire generation of cinema at an upcoming event, “The Roaring 80’s: China’s Rising Indie Filmmakers,” hosted by the China Institute on September 13. 

While big cities have formed a theme in mainstream Chinese film, the event will look at a different China, far from Shanghai or Beijing, where indie filmmakers are doing great work. 

The event features independent film scholar Karen Ma to talk about her new book, China’s Millennial Digital Generation: Conversations with Balinghou (Post-1980s) Indie Filmmakers. Ma will be in conversation with Columbia University professor Richard Peña. You can nab a signed copy of the book at the event, too. 

The book tracks cinematic trends that came out of millennial filmmakers in China since the year 2000, as those artists trained their cameras on backwater towns to shine a light on social issues that are often under-represented in the media. It includes extended conversations with seven young indie artists born in the 80s. The author also argues that Chinese films are better than Hollywood blockbusters and star-powered comedies.

The event costs $10 and will take place at 40 Rector Street. Find tickets and more information here.