Bejing Filmmaker and Author Visits Grinnell College

November 9, 7:30 pm – Screening of A Chronicle of My Cultural Revolution (ARH 302)

November 10, 4:15 pm – Roundtable discussion, “An International Life of Arts and Letters” (Burling Lounge)

Bejing writer and documentary filmmaker Xu Xing is finishing a month-long speaking tour of universities in the United States with a visit to Grinnell College on November 9 and 10. His time here includes a screening of one of his films followed by a time for questions and answers, a roundtable discussion and reflection on his experiences in China and abroad, and several other opportunities for conversation.

Born in China in 1956, Xu Xing was separated from his parents as a child when they were sent away for re-education during the Cultural Revolution. He has traveled extensively, in China and other countries, and his short stories reflect themes of wandering, loneliness, bitterness, and the quest for individual freedom. His films also explore these themes, and often include humor and elements of fantasy.

Burling Library has available Xu Xing’s collection of short stories, Variations Without a Theme and Other Stories, translated by Maria Galikowski and Lin Min. Three of Xu Xing’s documentary films are also available in the library’s collection: A Chronicle of My Cultural Revolution, in which Xu Xing narrates chronologically his personal experiences during China’s Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution; Five Plus Five, a humorous depiction of the life of a taxi driver whose customers are residents of a Bejing artists’ colony; and Summary of Crimes, which relates the true story of a group of counter-revolutionary peasants who were jailed for exercising free speech during the Cultural Revolution.

All are invited to events planned during Xu Xing’s visit to Grinnell. On November 9 at 7:30 pm in ARH 302, East Asian Studies will sponsor a screening of the documentary film, A Chronicle of My Cultural Revolution. Xu Xing will be available to answer questions following the screening. The film is subtitled, and a translator will also be present.

On November 10 at 4:15 pm in Burling Lounge, Grinnell College Libraries will sponsor “An International Life of Arts and Letters,” an informal gathering during which Xu Xing will reflect on his experiences in China and abroad. Translation and refreshments will be provided.

Curien, Annie. “Xu Xing.” Encyclopedia of Contemporary Chinese Culture, 2011. Web. 2 Nov. 2015.