Tired of Cookie-Cutter Blockbusters? Watch Classics Old and New at China Film Archive
The world of motion pictures need not always be about box office numbers and a handful of celebrities. True movie buffs are bound to seek something more than IMAX theaters and flashy effects, but with the annual Beijing International Film Festival postponed, where can audiences explore the world of fine art films and indie productions? Not to worry, for I'm here to guide you through a hidden wonderland known as the China Film Archive, the one and only movie archive and fine art cinema house in the capital.
I first discovered this place when I was studying at Beijing Normal University, the campus of which is just a few blocks away from the Archive, located at Xiaoxitian. (The proximity may be why BNU has such a thriving TV and Film department.) Though its entrance appears quite ordinary, you won’t miss it when movie gurus from all corners of Beijing are lining up for a premiere of the 4K remastering of Once Upon a Time in America or other such classic titles. Indeed, this is no common cinema that only schedules blockbusters. On the contrary, audiences enjoy many timeless classics here, from the experimental masterpieces of François Truffaut, Jean-Luc Godard and other directors who emerged from La Nouvelle Vague to Akira Kurosawa's Rashōmon, one of the finest investigations into the philosophy of justice and the nature of truth. And thanks to the talented staff they have on board, the extensive collaborative relationships they have built with support from the government, China Film Archive has a dedicated restoration department, restoring these grand works to their full glory.
You can follow their official Wechat account (ID: china_film_archive) for the latest schedule of premiers, and purchase tickets on the 淘票票 Taopiaopiao app by searching 中国电影资料馆 (Zhōngguó diànyǐng zīliào guǎn) under the 影院 yǐngyuàn cinema catalog. Make sure you plan ahead though since most of the screenings are one day only and seats can sell out quickly for particularly popular titles. For those who live on the east side of the capital, China Film Archive has another theater in Baiziwan, though they tend to have a slightly smaller screening selection.
For folks who aren't satisfied with simply sitting in a comfortable armchair and would rather immerse themselves in a world on the other side of the silver screen, here's a rabbit hole for you: Aside from serving as a fine art cinema, China Film Archive is also a world-class film art research center with more than 700 thousand movies, 26,000 movie posters, 30,000 publications on film study, and many other documents. If you happen to work in the movie industry, you can try your luck and apply for a chance to view some of the rarest pieces in their collection on behalf of your company.
Moreover, the Archive is also an academic institution that is open for public admission. The affiliated department, China Film Art Research Center, offers MA and MFA programs. Compared to Beijing Film Academy, China Film Art Research Center focuses more on aesthetic theory, movie curation, and digital restoration. It is, however, highly competitive with roughly 20 students being accepted annually. Based on the experiences shared by alumnus and current students, studying at the research center is a dream come true for any film industry enthusiast, not only because you get to watch all sorts of movies every day with other passionate students, but you also have the chance to work on the frontlines of movie production, criticism, and curation led by industry professionals. Foreign students are welcomed to apply – to learn more about the process and requirements, check their official website here or call 8229-6063.
China Film Archives
3 Wenhuiyuan Lu, Xiaoxitian, Haidian District (82296229)
海淀区 小西天文慧园路3号1213室
Read: Organizers Confirm Rumors, 11th Annual Beijing International Film Festival Postponed Until August
Images: China Film Archive, Chinese Films, Sina
