Filmmaker Wang Xiaoshuai joins Asia Society on March 22nd and 23rd for a free talk and the New York premiere of his first two films in a time-spanning trilogy examining the emotional fallout of 20th century Chinese history.

Above the Dust
Wang Xiaoshuai, China, 2024, DCP, 122 min.
In Mandarin with English subtitles.

Ten-year-old Wo Tu dreams of having a water pistol like other boys in his village. Even though his father promised, he fails to bring one from the city. But there is one hope for Wo Tu: his dying grandfather assures him to grant him the wish as a ghost. After his death, the old man visits the boy in his dreams, initiating a treasure hunt. Soon, the limits between reality and dream, past and present, become more and more blurred. A portrait of the profound love for the land, across three generations of a family in modern Chinese rural life (The Match Factory). 
Followed by a Q&A with Wang Xiaoshuai.

About the filmmaker:

Wang Xiaoshuai was a pioneer figure of Chinese independent films in the 1990s, and is one of very few masters who remains true to his art in spite of rampant commercialism in today's Chinese film market. By virtue of strong personal style, deep concern for humanity, and diligent independent filmmaking, Wang's works have competed in Cannes Film Festival four times (twice in Un Certain Regard, twice in main Competition), twice in the Berlinale, and also at Venice and San Sebastian film festivals. He has been appointed chevalier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French Minister of Culture for his artistic accomplishments. Wang has received many distinguished honors notably the 51th Berlinale Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize for Beijing Bicycle (2001), the Jury Prize for Shanghai Dreams (2005) in the Cannes Main Competition and the second Berlinale Silver Bear for Best Screenplay for In Love We Trust (2008) (The Match Factory).

A limited amount of complimentary tickets will be available to NYC college students with ID at the box office on the day of the screening.