Event Recap: ShanghaiPRIDE Film Festival I
After 6 months of preparation, the ShanghaiPRIDE Film Festival 2017 opened on 11-June. There will be more than 20 hours of film screenings in 2 days. On the first day, ShPFF screened 12 films from different parts of the world. They were diverse and inspiring. The Consul of Goethe Institut China, Madam Marina May congratulated ShPFF and emphasized films being the catalyst of diversity and inclusion.
This year’s opening film was Small Talk, winner of the Best Documentary at the 2017 Berlin International Film Festival Teddy Award earlier this year. Small Talk, directed by Hui-chen Huang, is a documentary of a personal story. It is about the relationship between a daughter and her mother, who seems to know each other for a long time but bounded by an unspoken truth. A lesbian mother, and an alcoholic father, such influences were recorded and shown to the world, creating a strong sense of belonging with the audiences. The crowd simply loved it and cheered! Like the title of the documentary, though small, the talk was real and genuine, it was engaging yet leaving blank spaces of emotions.
Although the director was not able to be present, after the screening, ShPFF managed to hold a live chat with her. Taiwan took another significant step towards same sex marriage on 24-May, and the film went public in Taiwan in April, an audience asked if the film played a role in same-sex marriage advocacy. Huang said that the success was a collective effort and her film might just be a tiny part of it, but she hopes that through the film, family relationships can be better and people can strive through lives with more courage.
In the two following film screenings, ShPFF started with the Award Ceremony for the Chinese Short Film Competition. After public submissions and reviews from the jury, Cocoon by Liying Mei took away Best Film, Best Cinematography and Best Sound & Music. Hsien-Chi Kuo’s The Confession won the Best Screenplay while the Best Editing went to Out of Place by Lydia Han and Joshua Frank. The audience had the opportunity to watch Cocoon with a Q&A session about the film with the director who is currently in the USA.
The session continued with Sundance Film Festival 2010 winner, from Peru, Undertow, which tells a story about the love and freedom. Consul of the Consulate General of Peru, Mr. Guillermo Mendoza said that it is a global trend for a more accepting and society. The third session focused on family tensions with one of the most discussed German film – Jonathan, and two Swedish short films, Best Short Film of Teddy Award 2017 – My Gay Sister and a very interesting mother & son dialogue – Mother Knows Best. The screening was followed by a mini PFLAG forum with special guests Mama Tao, Mama Lin and daughter Momo with partner Xiaomai.
As we proceeded into the night, our last session was a 180-minute long run of LGBTQ films, including HBO hit – The Trans List, where 11 transgender Americans shared their stories, challenges and their thoughts about future. Then the audience had the chance to enjoy Chinese Short Film Competition winning and nominated films The Confession, Out of Place, Red, Two Men, and Street Child. Directors of Out of Place, Red, and Two Men were also present to share their inspirations for the films.
This is the first time ShanghaiPRIDE Film Festival tried a film marathon, and after 11 hours of film screenings, organizers were surprised by the participants who stayed all day. Special thanks to all volunteers and audience for your support!
ShPFF 2017 would like to thank Goethe Institut China, British Consulate General in Shanghai, British Council Shanghai, Consulate General of Canada in Shanghai, Consulate General of the United States in Shanghai, Consulate General of the Kingdom of Netherlands in Shanghai, Consulate General of Denmark in Shanghai, Consulate General of Sweden in Shanghai, Consulate General of Peru in Shanghai, Brander Urstoff, EQ, Pure & Whole, SweetTeeth, Il Vino red wine, Gravity Subtitles, LesSubs, Art Co, CNCreate, Chance, Love Queer Cinema Week, Chinese Queer Independent Films, Hong Kong Lesbian & Gay Film Festival, Taiwan International Queer Film Festival, Sydney Mardi Gras Film Festival, Blued and Rela.
The second LGBTQ films marathon will run on 18-June at The British Centre. Free entry, RSVP required. Walks-in will be seated based on availability of space. Due to venue requirements, please bring your valid ID, passport, or driving license. There will be more amazing films, stay tuned!
