Public Intellectuals in a Changing World: Chinese Cinema and the World

This international symposium brings together scholars, scientists, musicians, filmmakers, writers, and publishers to discuss the impact of art on public discourse.

How can art become a lingua franca that speaks to people from different parts of the world? What are the risks and rewards for cross-cultural translation, adaptation, and appreciation?

Drawing from the strengths of Oberlin College as a liberal arts institution, this symposium explores how the study of literature, art, music, and science can prepare students to become globally engaged citizens.

The symposium opens with the Chinese Independent Documentary Film Series: Oral History, Memory and Advocacy for Social Change. Four films will be shown followed by a discussion with the directors.

Join us for a panel discussion about Chinese film. Speakers will include:

• Lingzhen Wang of Brown University: “Geopolitics, Feminist (film) Theory and the Reception of Chinese Women’s Cinema’’
• Jiwei Xiao of Fairfield University and Dudley Andrew of Yale University: “The News, in fact, is Poetry: Bi Gan’s Kaili Blues”
• Ci Zhang, independent artist: “From a Social Actor to a Public Artist”