A Poet from the Sea

Director/Screenplay: Hou Yao
Cinematography: Liang Linguang
Production Company: China Sun (Shanghai)
Cast: Hou Yao, Lam Cho-cho, Lee Dan-dan
1927 | B&W tinted | 23 min (Incomplete) | 35mm | Silent with Chinese & English Intertitles | Live music accompaniment

Made in 1927, A Poet from the Sea is available now only in fragmented condition. Director Hou Yao was apparently captivated by the gloomy anxiety of early 20th century, claiming that he made the film "to portray the conflict between material life and spiritual life". It's the story of an alienated poet (played by Hou himself) who retreats to an island to escape modern civilization,  drinking bitterly by the ocean. The print shown was recovered in Europe and restored by Cineteca di Bologna. (Shown with Way Down West)

Screening Courtesy of Cineteca di Bologna

The contents of the programme do not represent the views of the presenter.
The presenter reserves the right to change the programme should unavoidable circumstances make it necessary.