Art Attack: Movie Awards, Flying Koreans, Haggis and Author Anticipation

It’s awards season in the movie world, and apparently that means everyone’s in the mood to get a tan – from (cinema, TV and computer) screens, that is. At least, the sudden upsurge in film screenings in Beijing would support this notion. Also this week: crazy Koreans making you laugh with high-strung family drama played out with martial arts and bodies flying around, and of course the annual Burns Supper at The Bookworm.

Speaking of awards, Flowers of War has received a nomination for Best Foreign-Language Picture at the Golden Globes this year, and its fate will likely portend its performance at the Oscars. Tune in Sunday, Jan 15 and see what happens (though actually it’ll be Monday morning here by the time Sunday evening rolls around in Tinseltown – I won’t tell your boss if you call in sick). Will the Golden Globes and Oscars pick up more viewership on this side of the world as the fates of Hollywood and the Chinese film industry become ever more intertwined? I think that depends on how Flowers of War does, because clearly if those foreigners can’t recognize a cinematic masterpiece when they see one, why should China care what they think?

If you like being tricked into watching Korean dramas through live martial arts, dance and other stunty hijinks, then have we got the show for you. You can read our feature on “Jump” in our January issue – or you can just go ahead and watch the show. Details below.

I grew up in America, which means I’m mostly ignorant about things that go on in other parts of the world (living in Beijing is rectifying this, but slowly. There’s a whole lotta data about Britney Spears and hamburgers and fat people at the mall to burn through in my brain). When I received The Bookworm’s notice about this year’s Burns Supper, it said:

“If ye dinnae ken your tam o' shanter fae yer selkirk grace
get yersel doon the bookworm fir some poetry, some scran an' a wee dram.”

I had to have a kind colleague walk me through it. After hours (ok, minutes) of slow translating, it turns out that says, “If you don’t know your Tam O’Shanter from your Selkirk Grace, we welcome you to join us at The Bookworm for some poetry, dinner and drinks.” Well, why didn’t you just say so?

Besides Scottish-themed feasts, The Bookworm’s also been busy planning their upcoming Bookworm International Literary Festival (BLF). They’re officially announcing their authors next Friday, January 20. We’ve gotten sneak peeks and are excited about the lineup. You will be, too, when you check back here next week for the update. Let’s hope their BLF launch goes more smoothly than Apple’s iPhone launch. That Sanlitun area sure gets rowdy …

Going back to films, the very exciting Future Shorts Festival kicked off at The Hutong last night, with another installment happening tomorrow night at the UCCA. Don’t miss the premiere film festival’s first run in Beijing, where you can catch the latest of the world’s best short films in one place.

Also check out a delectable Taiwanese edition of "Food, Film & Friends," classic sixth generation film Beijing Bicycle, a dumpster diving documentary at 12SQM and Dr. No at Modernista.

Ballet lovers: It’s time for the International Ballet Gala. Go.

Event details:

Jan 14
Film Festival: Future Shorts
The biggest global pop-up festival of its kind makes it Beijing debut, screening shorts that have scored accolades at the Oscars, BAFTA and Sundance. RMB 15, RMB 10 (students). 2pm. UCCA Art Cinema
(8459 9269)

Film: Beijing Bicycle
A grim reminder of what happens when hormones and jealousy get out of control. Especially when it’s over a bike. Reservation required; email contact@cultureyard.net. RMB 25 (includes soft drinks and popcorn). 7pm. Culture Yard (8404 4166)

Jan 15
Film: Dive!
In this documentary, you’ll learn the merits (and hazards) of the hippie-runoff habit of dumpster diving. Bring your goggles. Free. 8pm. 12SQM (6402 1554)

Food, Film & Friends: Taiwan
Eat Taiwanese food, then watch people eat Taiwanese food in Eat, Drink, Man, Woman. RMB 240, RMB 200 (members), RMB 30 (screening only). 5pm (cooking), 7.30pm (screening). The Hutong (159 0104 6127; see Living directory)

Jan 15 & 19
Film: Dr. No
Catch the James Bond movie that kicked it all off, with a dashing (and young!) Sean Connery. Free. 5.30pm. Modernista (136 7127 4747)

Jan 17
Storytelling Night: Putong Hua
Join the city’s best tellers of tall (and not so tall) tales. This month’s theme: Warnings. Sounds ominous. RMB 30, RMB 20 (members). 7.30pm. The Bookworm (6586 9507)

Jan 17-18
Comedy: Jump
The Koreans dazzle with another no-dialogue show featuring martial arts, dance and slapstick humor. This time, a hapless suitor must woo the whole family to get the girl. See Feature, p49. RMB 50-680. 7.30pm. Poly Theatre (6500 1188 ext 5126/5127)

Jan 18
Film: Rouge
The last film of Kieslowski’s “Three Colors” trilogy focuses on the idea of “fraternity” as two seeming strangers become friends following an accident. Kieslowski ties together strands from the first two films in this final masterpiece. RMB 30 (includes coffee or tea). 7.30pm. Riverbank Bar and Café (6506 8277; see Nightlife directory)

Translation Slam
Smart people compete over who butchers a French text more brutally ¬– by turning it into English. RMB 30, RMB 20 (members). 7.30pm. The Bookworm (6586 9507)

Jan 19
Burns Supper
Fun fact: Those furry bags attached to Scottish men’s kilts are called sporrans. It’s where they keep their money – but not the family jewels. RMB 200 (for three-course meal – including haggis! – and whisky). 7.30pm. The Bookworm (6586 9507)

Jan 19-20
Ballet: 2012 International Gala
The best in the ballet biz set the NCPA stage ablaze. See Preview, p49. RMB 160-1,000. 7.30pm. NCPA Opera House (6655 0000)

Photos: 365jia.cn, courtesy of "Jump" organizers