Society

Movie heroes defy mountains and rivers

By Hu Yongqi (China Daily)
Updated: 2010-09-20 08:24

Two vioce actors dub a movie in Miao dialect. [Photo by Chen Peiliang / For China Daily] >>Click for Slideshow

Broad selection

Most of the movies that are screened are about battles during the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression (1937-1945) or the reconstruction efforts following 1949.

Liu Wenliang, 76, who was at the Dongjiao school show, said he likes the films because they remind him of his youth. However, younger generations have more contemporary tastes.

"The movies should be more diverse so that efforts to enrich (villagers') enjoyment will be more fruitful," said Zheng Fengtian, deputy dean of Renmin University of China's school of agricultural economics and rural development.

Central authorities have invested 700 billion yuan to improve infrastructure and living standards in the countryside, especially in underdeveloped western regions, he said.

"But the government needs to pay just as much attention to people's enjoyment," added Zheng. "Film is an art form villagers would want to watch no matter how many television programs are available."

He suggested projectionists show movies that are relevant to farmers, such as those about agricultural and scientific developments that could help them harvest more.

"Our top priority is choosing movies farmers love," explained Le Kexi, general manager of China New Rural Film Screening, a company that manages film distributions in villages for China Film Group.

He said he plans to show Aftershock - director Feng Xiaogang's latest release about the 1976 earthquake in Tangshan, Hebei province - in villages once it closes in cities at the end of this month.

Screening firms are also looking into improving conditions for patrons. As most movies are shown outside at night, weather conditions play an important role and performances are often cancelled when it rains or is too cold. "We're working on giving locals a better experience," said Le. "There are plans to shift our operations to indoor venues."

Xie Guoqing (L), and his partner, Lin Shunquan, carry their 50-kilogram digital projector to a screening on the playground in Dongjiao. [Photo by Chen Peiliang / For China Daily] >>Click for Slideshow