Meishi Street participated in the 3rd Beijing Independent Film Festival and had a screening in Fanhall Films Studio in Song Village at 8pm, Nov 26. Director Ou Ning and the main role Zhang Jinli participated in the film screening and joined the discussion with about a hundred film viewers. The festival is supported and organised by Li Xianting’s Film Fund and will run from Nov 23 to 29. The venue is a bit far but it’s a good opportunity to get close to China’s independent film and film makers. Ou Ning’s participatory documentary Meishi Street is a part of Dazhalan Project, which you can learn more about here.
Ou Ning and Zhang Jinli met the audience before the screening started.
The documentary ended in the Zhang Jinli’s tears. After reviewing this scene again, Zhang felt depressed. Ou Ning was answering questions from the audience.
Veteran art critic Li Xianting was present that night. His eyes were wet also viewing the last scene of the film.
A foreign film viewer asked whether Ou Ning will continue to document similar realities.
Zhang Jinli answered questions from the audience.
Facing concern and skepticism, Zhang Jinli always keeps his optimistic and rational attitude.
Text: April Zhang
Images: Sun Xiaoxi