Film Lens
Dong is a documentary film directed by Jia Zhangke, focusing on the artist Liu Xiaodong as he paints laborers near the Three Gorges Dam in China and women in Bangkok. The film captures Liu's artistic process and his interactions with the subjects, providing a glimpse into their lives and the socio-economic context surrounding them. The Three Gorges Dam, known as the world's largest hydropower project, serves as a backdrop, symbolizing modernity and the displacement of local communities due to its construction.
The film was produced by Jia's own company, Xstream Pictures, and was filmed in HD digital video. It was screened at the 2006 Venice International Film Festival and the Toronto International Film Festival. Liu Xiaodong, born in 1963, is recognized for his focus on the lives of lower-class workers and his ability to capture the essence of ordinary people through his art. This documentary offers a unique perspective on contemporary Chinese society through the lens of art and personal connections.
Why Watch
- •Follow Liu Xiaodong painting laborers at the Three Gorges Dam.
- •See the impact of the Three Gorges Dam on local communities.
- •Meet contemporary Chinese artist Liu Xiaodong and his work.
Did You Know
•The Three Gorges region has a history of over 2000 years.
•Liu Xiaodong has produced more than 20 films documenting his paintings.
•The Three Gorges Dam project started in the 1990s and caused the flooding of towns.
•Fengjie was relocated to a higher altitude in 2002 due to the dam's construction.
Perfect For
Contemporary art enthusiastsChinese cultural studiesDocumentary film lovers