影
(OF SHADOWS)
“captivating [...] a moving dispatch on the imperilled existence (and stubborn endurance) of a wondrous artistic tradition”
‑ Chris Kennedy (TIFF Cinematheque)
“dreamlike and amusing, [...] the film reflects on the schizophrenia of contemporary China”
‑ Brigitte Duzan (Chinese Movies)
“with this feature debut, Cui shows a remarkable sense of contemplation, composure, and control in depicting her subjects’ struggle to keep abreast of social changes”
‑ Clarence Tsui (Film Quarterly)
“full of imposing vitality”
‑ Ling Zhang (Ta Kung Pao)
“a thoughtful meditation on the evolution of an ancient art”
‑ Caotide (L’emergere Del Possibile)
“subtle and timeless”
‑ Mónica Delgado (DesistFilm)
“my favourite Chinese documentary of the year”
‑ Wood Lin (FunScreen)
Filmed in China’s Loess Plateau, where shadow plays have entertained people and deities for centuries, Of Shadows follows a lively and resilient group of shadow play performers as they navigate between the rural staging of ancient plays and the urban spectacle of cultural heritage preservation. While providing a rare glimpse into the nomadic lives of master puppeteers, the film paints a haunting portrait of a revered folk tradition transforming against the backdrop of a country in constant transition.
Awards and honours
2017 Jury Special Mention, Granada Cinemistica Festival
2016 Libraries Award, Cinéma du Réel
Nominee, Joris Ivens Award, Cinéma du Réel
Nominee, Bright Future Award, International Film Festival Rotterdam
Nominee, FIPRESCI Prize, International Film Festival Rotterdam
Nominee, Netpac Award, International Film Festival Rotterdam
Nominee, Chinese Documentary Award, Taiwan International Documentary Festival
Nominee, Best Canadian Documentary Award, Doxa Documentary Film Festival
Screenings (selected)
2018 Vladivostok Zarya Centre for Contemporary Art
Bishan Ba Li Shan Independent Film Screening Series
2017 Los Angeles Chinese Film Festival
Seoul Festival of Film Festivals
Granada Cinemistica Festival
Meet the Director - Hong Kong University Independent Film Series
2016 International Film Festival Rotterdam
Cinéma du Réel Film Festival
Toronto International Film Festival Cinematheque - The Free Screen
Doxa Documentary Film Festival
Taiwan International Documentary Festival
Lima Independent International Film Festival
La Rochelle Chinese Film Festival
Rennes Comptoir du Doc Film Festival
Korean Educational Broadcasting System International Documentary Festival