films

seeingredinchina.com — While China may be releasing a huge quantity of films, and producing a number of new TV shows, to most foreigners living here, there is still a dearth of entertainment (sorry CCTV). Despite efforts to promote "soft power", China still seems unable to attract followings on par with Japanese anime or Bollywood films. So today we'll be looking at the factors limiting China's cultural potency.

www.atimes.com — While Hollywood blockbusters and state-funded historical epics continue to dominate China's box office, a vibrant independent film scene is quietly growing. "Although these kinds of films aren't allowed to be screened at most theatres, independent film is developing well in China," said Cui Weiping, a film professor at the Beijing Film Academy.

www.lostlaowai.com — A Q&A with acclaimed documentarian Tan Siok Siok about her new film Boomtown Beijing - a film that captures the Chinese capital the summer before the Olympics. Be sure to also check out the film's trailer and links.