Kenworthy provides taste of Chines culture through film

From Staff Reports

The University of Idaho Confucius Institute is hosting a Chinese film viewing at Kenworthy Theater tonight at 7 p.m. Forever Enthralled, the featured film, is about a famous opera singer in China named Mei Lanfang.

“This movie combines another unique art of Chinese culture, which is the Beijing opera,” said Shengfei Han, a visiting South China University of Technology professor.

One of the reasons this film was chosen is because of the cultural message combined with the artistic expression adapted by the Beijing opera, Han said.

“Its purpose is to promote a deeper understanding of Chinese society and culture,” Jie Chen, dean of the University of Idaho College Of Graduate Studies, said.

Because higher education has been increasingly globalized by national economies, Chen stressed the importance for college students to learn about Chinese culture.

To learn about the cultures of other societies, particularly those which are distinct from American culture, is critical for their professional careers and current studies in every major, Chen said.

The Confucius Institute anticipates all walks of the local community coming and enjoying the film. Han said he hopes it expands their idea of diversity.

“The film is a great way to see how Chinese people live, love and pursue their goals,” said Chen.

Professor Jianhong Lu from the University of Idaho will give an introduction and moderate the post show discussion. Audience members will have a chance to discuss the film and Chinese culture afterwards.

Admittance is free and the film is estimated to last two hours.