5th Spring Filmfest set

MANILA, Philippines - Now on its fifth year, the Ateneo de Manila University Ricardo Leong Center for Chinese Studies and Confucius Institute once again stages the Spring Film Festival of Chinese films starting today until Feb. 1 at the Shang Cineplex.

The Spring Filmfest is organized every year to promote Chinese language and culture in mainstream Philippine society, particularly among young Filipinos so they can become bridges between China and the Philippines.  This year’s festival features a mix of mega epic, award winners and great entertaining movies.

The film Forever Enthralled is directed by filmmaker Chen Kaige. A winner of the acclaimed Golden Rooster Best Film, the movie is about the turbulent life of Mei Lanfang (Leon Lai) — a legendary innovator in the world of Beijing opera — in this lavish period biopic that chronicles Mei’s rise to fame in China and subsequent success around the world. Cast includes Zhang Ziyi, Leon Lai and Shaoqun Yu.

Moreover, The Queen of Cooking, directed by Han Wanfeng, is a feel-good movie about a rural girl who dreams of becoming a chef. After her failed romance, she vows to become a real chef, and proceeded to do a three-year apprenticeship.  The movie also shows the unique technique and style of preparing Chinese food.

The Grand River, directed by Gao Feng, stars award-winning actor Li Naiwen. The film showcases the Chinese government’s efforts to assist the native people of Xinjiang develop their territory and honor their traditions.

Finally, Mulan, directed by rising action movie expert Jingle Ma, stars Vicky Zhao/Zhao Wei.

 This year’s festival was made possible in partnership with Celadon and Shangri-La Plaza, and is sponsored by Confucius Institute, Credit Suisse Bank, Flexo Manufacturing Corp., Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc., Jollibee Foods Corp., Richwell Trading Corp., Pfizer, Fortmed Medical Clinics, Inc., Redpeak Capital Holdings, Inc. and Remal Enterprises, Inc.

For details, call 426-6001 loc. 5208 and 5280; 633-2227 or log on to www.ateneo.edu.