8 October 2009

Denied cinema of East-Asia

comes to Cov Uni

Picture courtesy of Spencer Murphy

by Teodora Beleaga

C
oventry University Media
staff and students have put
together a new film society
that promises to fill your
Wednesday afternoons with
surprising East-Asian screenings and
intriguing debates.
At a time when Europe is still strug-
gling to overcome the current state of
the economy, distribution of East Asian
films is often postponed or forgot-
ten, claims the film society. Spencer
Murphy, media lecturer and initiator of
this society says: “We are to screen only
films that are unavailable, that haven’t
been distributed in the West”.
‘Coventry Close Encounters: A
Programme of Contemporary Films
from the Cinemas of East Asia’ aims
to celebrate the hidden film reality of
Asia, beyond kung fu and martial arts. “I
want to give students the opportunity
to watch some films that they may not
encounter otherwise” says Spencer.
“We are to
The screenings will be
productions from throughout
South East Asia, including
China, Hong Kong, Korea,
Japan, Taiwan, Thailand and
Malaysia. The society’s plan
is to raise cultural awareness
in a campus that accommo-
“the hidden
film reality of
Asia, beyond
kung fu and
martial arts”
dates over 3000 international students,
while encouraging a variety mix.
Media lecturers Val Hill and Spen-
cer Murphy started this project as an
initiative, determined by the “very good
turnout of students” at last summer’s
conference on East Asian films. “Rather
than academic, with papers and co., we
wanted to open this up” commented
go to China/ Hong Kong to meet and
interview some very famous directors
and staff like Johnnie To (To-Kei Fung),
Wai Ka-Fai and Aaron Kwok.”
Being aware of the unfortunate fact
that most of the western students as-
sume Asian films are all the same, the
Coventry East Asian film society aims to
help them enhance some knowledge of
the Asian culture.
Talking about the “idea that cultures
produce different things than what is
promoted”, Spencer mentions a “great
cinema quote that broadly says: ‘We
can hear the culture singing in the
background, but we don’t listen to the
music.’”
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

screen only Spencer, while also expressing his de- “... the programme
sire to pass this on: “I want the students
films that are to run it themselves”. is designed to be
unavailable, that When asked why only East Asian cin-
ema, Mr. Murphy said this is the begin- linked with the
haven’t been ning, as there will be opportunities for
students to screen ‘un-heard-of’ films famous and yet
distributed in themselves, from any other culture,
adding that: “That’s my research inter-
infamous module
the West”. est, my PhD research is in Hong Kong
cinema, and I had the opportunity to
called PDP.”
Coventry’s close encounter with East-Asian cinema
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
Under the belief that knowledge
can be gained by getting close and
embracing the unknown, the society
counts on its screenings to fulfil this
goal.
One long term objective of Coventry
East Asian film society is to get stu-
dents to represent Coventry University
at the UDINE film festival (the biggest
film festival in Europe) next April. Invi-
tations, covering all the expenses, have
already been sent to the university, but
in order to attend, students must prove
some involvement.
The society’s programme is also
designed to be linked with the famous
and yet infamous module called PDP
The ‘Harry Potter’-ish news of the future
by Teodora Beleaga
„„ Nick Pollard, ex Sky News boss,
argued yesterday during a Coventry
Conversation lecture that technology is
the key factor to determine the future
of TV News. “Yes, TV News does have a
future. How it will be like is a rather dif-
ficult question. [...] I have a picture of a
much more conventional and modern
merge: the electronic newspapers, with
moving pictures like in Harry Potter,
putting on screen just stuff you are
interested in.”, said Pollard.
Given his career Nick Pollard took
a chance to take his audience back
to the very beginnings of TV News
pointing out how technology changes
have influenced the way the news are
produced and transmitted. From films
of only 8 minutes to video recordings
and videotapes to mobile satellites,
it has all been about transmission in
the world of news bulletins as Pollard
wrapped up: “Technology has driven
world coverage.”
Mr Pollard took time to explain his
views on the 24h news channels say-
ing: “Only big stories are made for 24h
coverage and there is a tremendous
“it’s a great
image source: panoramio.com
opportunity in
relation to your CV”
(Personal Development Planning). No
matter the degree programme you are
studying or the year you are in, you
have the option to attend at least three
screenings and then insert reviews and
reflection entries in your PDP work. But, Films are to be screened each
as Spencer puts it, there is also the op- Wednesday at 4 pm in the Ellen Terry
tion of getting more out of this experi- building. After each film there will be
ence: “I just think it’s a great opportu- an open forum for critical discussion
nity in relation to your CV”, adding that: and debate on the East Asian cinema.
“I would like students to get involved in Screenings are free and open to all.
terms of screening”. Joining the society is also free
“I have a picture
image source: hogwardsschoolformag.darkbb.com
of a much more
conventional and
modern merge:
the electronic
newspapers, with
moving pictures
like in Harry Potter,
putting on screen
just stuff you are journalism, Nick Pollard didn’t miss the
chance to add advices here and there.
interested in.” One thing he mentioned, that should
make students confident is: “What-
temptation to fill the rest with analysis. ever technology you got the most
It doesn’t do an awful lot of what you important bit of kit is somebody that
may call real journalism and is very knows the story. Someone who is wise,
labour intensive.” Also, he argued that experienced, someone who’s there to
these news channels are not chosen observe and report...”.
by the audience for breaking news. “It’s
still the newspapers!” Coventry Conversations are free and
Being an audience filled with anxious open to all. They are held on each and
new students aspiring for a career in every Thursday starting 1pm in ETG34.
The student and staff newsletter of the Media and
Communications department of Coventry School
of Art and Design
Edited by Teo Beleaga
Submissions invited to teo.beleaga@gmail.com
With many thanks to John Mair and Spencer Murphy.