Video Killed the Art Star? This Week: Make a Film in 48 Hours, or Just Watch a Bunch

So by now, I’m sure all you smarties have figured out that the weekly Art Attack post is not always all about art. At least, not the 798, painting-slash-installation-slash-yada-yada variety. Usually, it’s an update on everything in the Arts & Culture Section. But on weekends like today, where there’s an obvious spike in film festival fun, I thought I’d give the post a slightly more apt title.

First off, the Tudou Video Festival happened in Huairou last weekend, so check out the overall best short film below, then head over to CNNgo.com for more videos and a recap of the festival, including comments by Sundance rep Todd Luoto regarding the similarities between this festival and their famous Park City one.

Also, budding filmmakers should take note: The 48 Hour Film Project kicks off today. Get yourselves and your cameras over to Gongti at 6 tonight (NOTE: This has been updated from the previous listed time, which was 7pm), where organizers will give you an assignment and a prop, after which you’ll have exactly 48 hours to complete a short film. See more details below.

This year’s winner of the Golden Potato Award went to “Fearless,” by Wang Zizhao. It follows protagonist Ma Guang as he deals with being a 25-year-old virgin. Unsurprisingly, this one’s a hit with the young ‘uns, and has garnered over half a million views on Tudou. Fair warning, there is a shot of a clinical cavity check:

And now, for the filmy things to do:

May 20:
48 Hour Film Project
Grab some friends and make a film in two days’ time. The competition kicks off at Workers’ Gymnasium, where you’ll be assigned a prop, one line of dialogue, a character and a genre. Register online at www.48hourfilm.com/beijing/ or call Selim Oulmekki (186 1006 4420) for more info. RMB 500. 6pm. Workers’ Gymnasium (6501 6300)

May 20-22:
Cannes in Beijing at Tu Shu Guan 98
This hip hutong venue pitches itself as a bar where you can read books, watch films and do other things to not be a complete philistine. This week, they’ve been running a Cannes in Beijing Film Festival coinciding with the famous French event. Rather than rounding up the actual Cannes films (kind of a tall order, I suppose), they’re doing a smattering of films from last year’s festival and other related flicks. For the next couple days, they’ll be showing a film each day at 6pm, starting with Juliette Binoche vehicle Certified Copy (or Copie conforme) tonight and closing the week out with What Just Happened? starring Robert DeNiro on the 22nd. For more details call Tushuguan 98 (8400 1532)

May 22:
Food, Film & Friends: Beijing
Classic lao Beijing dishes are followed by a screening of Red Light Revolution, with aphrodisiac drinks and director Q+A. RMB 240 (non-members), RMB 200 (members), RMB 35 (screening only). 5pm cooking, 7.30pm screening. The Hutong (159 0104 6127; see Living directory)

In other news, this will be the last weekend to catch FAT ART at the Today Art Museum. The Karen Smith-curated exhibit features works by 14 artists that center on the theme of a HIVE: individual spaces that eventually form a community.

Until May 24:
FAT ART
14 artists have been busy as bees, bringing you painting, installation and photography. Free. Today Art Museum (5862 1100)

There are also a couple ballets worth catching this coming week:

May 25 & 26:
Romeo & Juliet
Italy’s Balletto di Roma is known for its excellent technique paired with innovative choreography. See their version of the greatest pre-pubescent romance of all time. RMB 100-680. 7.30pm. NCPA Opera House (6655 0000)

May 25:
Red Detachment of Women
The National Ballet of China reprises their take on the femme socialist ballet. RMB 80-1080. 7.30pm. Poly Theatre (6500 1188)