I Wish I Knew, a film by Jia Zhangke

Jia Zhangke’s I Wish I Knew envelops you in a haze of vicarious nostalgia and devastation as individuals from all walks of life, including Taiwan film director Hou Hsiao-Hsien, reminisce about their lives in Shanghai as well as Shanghai’s film history. This collection of stories arises from their city as a major cultural center being shaped by greater historical forces. Commissioned by the Shanghai Expo, “I Wish I Knew” explores the beauty, dynamism and resilience of what is considered to be China’s “showpiece” city.

Come join Movie Chat Host Shireen Farrahi for a lively online movie discussion.

Film: I Wish I Knew (2010) 1 hr. 56 mins. In Mandarin, with English subtitles.

Chat: Monday, April 25, 2022, 7pm Cost to attend is free; please register below

View the movie free on Kanopy [click here]

See the trailer: [click here]

This program runs like a book club: you watch the selected film at your leisure, then join other participants on Zoom at 7pm on the fourth Monday of the month to discuss. Discussion questions will be emailed to registrants a couple of days before the chat. Most movies are available free on Kanopy.com or YouTube. Kanopy can be accessed through a web browser or an internet-connected t.v. A Kanopy login account requires a library card. Please watch the movie and then join us to discuss.

The Northwest China Council's Movie Night is a program to promote a better understanding of Chinese history, culture, and current affairs. Please consider supporting its programming at www.nwchina.org.