HOSTED by the Publicity Department of the Shenzhen Municipal Committee of the CPC, the monthly Shenzhen Art Film Screening project provides movie enthusiasts with the opportunity to enjoy a selection of both classic and contemporary art films at reasonable prices across four cinemas in the city.

This month’s lineup features the critically acclaimed “Young Woman and the Sea” (2024) and the renowned classic “Red Sorghum” (1988), as well as a few new flicks.

“Young Woman and the Sea” narrates the inspiring tale of Trudy Ederle, a competitive swimmer who made history in 1926 as the first woman to conquer the grueling English Channel. In the movie, overcoming adversities and societal challenges with the unwavering support of the women in her life, Ederle rises through the ranks of the Olympic swimming team.

Having been screened for a month in China, the movie has received an impressive rating of 9 out of 10 on the popular Chinese review platform Douban. Viewers have praised the movie for its attention to detail, compelling character portrayals, and outstanding performances.

Guan Hu’s “Black Dog,” honored with the Un Certain Regard Award at the Cannes Film Festival in May, blends elements of film noir with offbeat comedy. Set on the outskirts of the Gobi desert in Northwest China, the story follows a man who returns to his hometown following his release from prison. While working for the local dog patrol unit, the man forms a bond with a stray black dog, embarking on a poignant journey together.

“Chocolate and Butter Sculpture” is a heartwarming Chinese film that revolves around a teenager venturing alone to a monastery in the west to learn the art of crafting butter. Along his path, he encounters another teenager on a similar journey. As they meet different people on the journey, they both discover more profound truths, regardless of whether their original wishes are fulfilled.

Despite its nationwide release starting tomorrow, early previews of the film have already captivated audience members with its breathtaking landscape scenes and engaging narrative style that exudes freshness and comfort.

In addition to these new movies, two old films have been selected for this month’s screening project — the iconic “Red Sorghum” (1988) and the more recent “White Snake” (2019).

In Zhang Yimou’s “Red Sorghum,” the winner of the Gold Bear at the 38th Berlin International Film Festival, a young widow (Gong Li) finds herself managing a winery in the 1930s after her leprous husband dies shortly following their arranged marriage. Faced with challenges from bandits and the Japanese invaders, she navigates the tumultuous times with grit and resilience.

“Red Sorghum” is regarded as a masterpiece of Chinese cinema, and its success paved the way for a new era of Chinese films in the 1980s. Audience members will feel the charm of this unique movie again in cinemas with its beautiful cinematography, powerful performances, and rich portrayal of rural Chinese life.

Diverging from typical adaptations, the animated “White Snake” (2019) presents a fantasy prequel to the Chinese legend “Legend of the White Snake.” While not achieving the technical finesse of some top-tier animations, this film delivers an exhilarating adventure with a fresh take on the familiar tale, offering audience members a unique cinematic experience.

Venue 1: Broadway Cinematheque, 5/F, MixC World, Nanshan District (华润万象天地五楼深圳百老汇电影中心)

Metro: Line 1 to Hi-tech Park Station (高新园站), Exit A

Venue 2: Emperor Cinema, B1, UpperHills (深业上城B1层英皇电影城)

Metro: Line 10 to Donggualing Station (冬瓜岭站), Exit E

Venue 3: The MixC Cinema, 3/F, The MixC, Luohu District (深圳万象城三楼深圳万象影城)

Metro: Line 1 or 2 to Grand Theater Station (大剧院站), Exit C

Venue 4: Wanda Cinema, 4/F, Haiya Mega Mall, Bao’an District (海雅缤纷城四楼万达影城)

Metro: Line 12 to Xin’an Park Station (新安公园站), Exit D (Cao Zhen)