Ambiguity Film presents Hidden History of China, a showcasing of films that courageously unveil obscured histories, forming the unseen narrative of China over the past several decades. The Horse Hospital is honoured to host a screening of Shattered, followed by an online Q&A with Xu Tong, the director and Tang Xiaoyan, one of the protagonists.
Doors: 1:00pm
Film starts: 1:30pm
For 2024, Ambiguity Film presents its annual exhibition themed Hidden History of China. We focus on films that courageously unveil obscured histories, forming the unseen narrative of China over the past several decades. As part of this exploration, AF is embarking on a UK tour with our premiere selection of film screenings featuring the compelling works of Xu Tong, a distinguished figure in Chinese documentary filmmaking. His series, Trilogy of Nomads is a centerpiece of our showcase.
These films present a vivid portrait of nomads as a unique stratum in China—individuals navigating the margins of urban and rural landscapes for survival, with no fixed abode. One could say they are ‘guides’ in their own right. Aesthetically, they are adventurous anti-social norm legends; historically, they are products of societal disorder, with their intricate life trajectories covering the largest aspects of social history. Through this exhibition, we aim to engage audiences in a conversation about the complexities of Chinese society, its resilience, and the ongoing struggle of its most marginalized communities. This series of screenings is an invitation to view China through a lens that transcends mainstream narratives, uncovering the strength and spirit of those who live in the shadows of history.
Fortune Teller (2009)
In a small town situated on the northeastern border of China, once a part of Manchukuo and prematurely burdened with economic decline, lived the Tang family. Each member possessed a natural gift for storytelling, exuding a mesmerizing linguistic charm whenever they faced the camera. Old Tang, the patriarch, reminisced about pivotal events in his life, intertwining tales of grand historical upheavals with the unfortunate twists of personal destiny. Meanwhile, his children faced their own life challenges, leading to strained relationships with their father.
Film Director: Xu Tong
Born in Beijing, his documentaries show the Aesthetically, Vagrants are adventurous anti-social norm legends; historically, they are products of societal disorder, with their intricate life trajectories covering the largest aspects of social history. Xu Tong’s production won multiple awards, including IDFA, Göteborg FF, IFFR, Montreal IDF, Taipei Film Festival, Shanghai IFF, Busan IFF.
Ambiguity Film
Established in 2023, Ambiguity Film is dedicated to the curation and exhibition of independent Chinese cinema, with a particular emphasis on documentaries. In the context of China’s censorship, where commercial cinema often falls short in addressing complex societal issues due to restricted themes and content, Ambiguity Film seeks to spotlight the vibrant yet underrepresented underground film movement. This movement captures essential narratives that confront and document the obscured realities and histories marginalized by official discourse. Ambiguity Film was founded with the dual purpose of broadening the accessibility of these important works and engaging both the diaspora and global audiences in a deeper understanding of China’s dynamic social landscape.
