“I believe that the reason the young people are escaping is that they are not able to cope with globalization.” The scene of one of the greatest economic and cultural metamorphosis of our time, China is not only at the centre of the world's attention but has arguably the most vital, imaginative and uncontainable art scene happening today. In recent years, Chinese artists (especially those working in photography and video) have gained international recognition for their powerful works capturing the social and aesthetic confusion created in a rapidly changing society. Robert Adanto's critically acclaimed documentary captures this momentous period in China's history while exploring the work of these young artists who comment with intelligence, wit, foreboding and nostalgia.

In Edmonton for The Works Art and Design Festival, Mr. Adanto will share his thoughts on the more recent developments on the situation in China through the connections he maintains with the young artists featured in the film. As part of his director's talk at The Artery, we will be presenting a live stream between Mr. Adanto and some of these artists as they discuss their current situation: how and what they're doing now that the tides have shifted so dramatically (economically and otherwise) since the film was completed last year.

Mr. Adanto will be on hand for Q&A's to follow the Friday June 19th screening @ 7pm and the Saturday June 20th screening @ 9:30pm.

Mr. Adanto will be presenting a director's talk sponsored by Harcourt House Arts Centre on Saturday June 20th, 2pm at The Artery, 9535 Jasper Avenue. Admission is free.

• Metro Cinema at The Works

  • The Rising Tide (2008)
  • Who Does She Think She Is? (2008)