It’s
that time of the year again—Chinese New year is fast approaching. So to our
Filipino-Chinese friends out there, Kung Hei Fat Choi! Shangri-La plaza lauds
the rich heritage of the Chinese culture and arts, and annually as always they
present a series of activities and events for mall guests. For avid film
aficionados, Shang Cineplex, in partnership with the Ateneo de Manila
University’s Ricardo Leong Center for Chinese Studies, Ateneo Celadon and the Confucius
Institute and Credit Suisse opens the month of February with the Spring Film
festival. Now on its seventh year, the Spring Film Festival aims to further
promote Chinese culture in mainstream Filipino society, particularly to the
youngsters of today.
This
year, there will be six featured films for the free screenings. I remember last
year, I had seen Chinese action star Jet Li on a different light as he played a
father role in a drama film about a special child. But it was a tearjerker kind
of movie but surprisingly, Jet Li also had what it takes to become a drama
actor.
Anyway,
the six films this year looks just as promising as well. Here they are and their synopsis:
2 Become
1—An advertising executive Bingo Leung finds new meaning in her once carefree
life after discovering a lump on her breast and begins a close relationship
with Doctor V and teen friend, Sing.
Piano in
a Factory—a multi-awarded family drama on a father’s struggle in going through
divorce and fighting for the custody of his daughter as he tries to pursue his
passion in low-paying music industry.
Storm
Warriors—special effects-laden, Hong Kong fantasy action that chronicles the
war between Lord Nameless and his battle against his nemesis Lord Godless, who
imprisoned his soldiers, raided and took over his land.
Jasmine
Women—An award-winning film that stars Zhang Ziyi and directed by Hou Young.
The film tells the story of a family’s struggle to overcome its tragic history,
as each daughter repeats the mistakes of their mother.
Space
Dream—follows the story of Zhang Tiancong, a veteran of the first generation of
Chinese astronauts, who—despite now being in his 40s—has never been given a
space mission yet.
Golden
Times—a touching story about teacher Fang and police officer Sun Dayang, who
put up “Home for the Left-Behind children”, to care for those whose parents
have migrated to find work in the cities.
All
screenings have English subtitles and are FREE ADMISSION. Seats are on FIRST
COME, FIRST SERVED BASIS. 2013 Spring Film Festival will be held from February
1-10, 2013 at the Shangri-La Cineplex, Shangri-La Plaza Mall in Mandaluyong
City. For screening schedule, please visit www.ateneo-celadon.org.
