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Jing Daily Exclusive Interview With Filmmaker Jia Zhangke (Part 1)

In Part One of our two-part interview, Jia discusses the current state of film production in China, his personal experiences as a young director in Beijing in the mid-'90s and support of young directors there today, and the difference between being an "underground" director and one who operates within China's state film system.

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  1. Director Discusses Current State Of Filmmaking In China, Young Directors, MoMA Retrospective
  2. Part One
  3. Part Two
  4. JD: Can you tell us a little about the current state of film production in China? What changes in particular have you noticed in the last 5-10 years?
  5. JZK
  6. JD: Sixth Generation filmmakers in China such as yourself have had some impressive achievements. How about the next generation? Are they mostly working underground or within the system? How do you feel about their creative style and form -- do you see any interesting aesthetic values at play? If so, are they attributable to factors like technological advancements, greater access to films from abroad, or changes in the Chinese educational system?
  7. JZK
  8. JD: Could you tell us a little about film distribution? How do most people see movies? At the movie theater? Or do they primarily watch DVDs or stream films online?
  9. JZK
  10. JD: How about your films? Since 2004, you have made films within the official Chinese film system. Do you think it’s gotten easier for audiences at home to see your movies? Where can they see them? Are you satisfied with the way your films are distributed?
  11. JZK
  12. JD: And overseas? From this MoMA retrospective, we can see that American audiences are getting more interested in your work. Do you feel that it’s important for western audiences to enjoy your films? Or do you think the most important thing is for Chinese audiences in particular to become more interested?
  13. JZK
  14. Be sure to come back next Wednesday for Part Two of Jing Daily's exclusive interview with Jia Zhangke, in which Jia discusses his upcoming projects, including the status of
  15. Flying Duck -
  16. - starring Jackie Chan -- and his thoughts about the possible legacy of Sixth Generation Chinese filmmakers such as himself.
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Published March 17, 2010

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