2009 May 20 CNEX Chinese Documentary Film Festival Starts Friday, May 22
The good people over at CNEX (short for China Next) love two things very much: China and documentaries.
Run by a group of Chinese from the mainland, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, the group has set out on a worthy mission to promote documentaries on the expansive topic of Chinese culture, particularly that which is emerging as the country evolves into “The New China.”
Railroad to Nowhere plays on June 3 at 1pm at UCCA
Each year, relying on sponsorship from non-profits and corporations, the group gives grants to about ten Chinese filmmakers from around the world to make documentaries.
A different theme that speaks to the evolution of Chinese culture is chosen every year – the films being screening at this year's festival center around “Dreams and Hopes,” and include a mix of international invitation films as well. Last year's theme was “Money,” and underway this year are films on the “Next Generation’s Homeland,” while next year’s films will cover the sentiment that “In Crisis there is Opportunity.”
A Map for Saturday plays on May 30 at UCCA at 1pm.
CNEX plans to continue its project for ten years, amassing a library of 100+ films that can stand together as a portrait of the new ideas and evolution of culture that has taken shape in China in the recent past.
The films being screened at this year’s festival, which will be accompanied by director Q&As and lectures, will be screened at both CNEX’s location in Caochangdi and UCCA in 798. RMB 15 gets you in for a full day of screenings and lectures, generally beginning around noon, with the last screening beginning at 7pm.
Full schedule: 
For a larger version and previews, visit www.cnex.org.
Directions to CNEX (8721 5576):
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