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The Blue Kite on 35mm
Institute of Contemporary Arts
The Blue Kite, dir. Tian Zhuangzhuang, China 1993, 138 min., Mandarin with English subtitles, 12


Book tickets

Probably the director’s most famous film, this impassioned drama follows the fate of a Beijing family and their acquaintances through the political and social upheavals of the 1950s and 1960s. The film’s child’s-eye perspective on the era wasn't enough to prevent it being outlawed in China, with Tian himself banned from film-making for 5 years.

Screening on a 35mm print from the ICA Archive. This screening is preceded by a screening of Tian Zhuangzhuang's The Horse Thief.
 
Book tickets
08:30 pm
Tue, 15 Jul 2025
Cinema 1
Ticket information
  • All tickets that do not require ID (full price, disabled, income support) can be printed at home or stored in email
  • For aged-based concession tickets (under 25, student) please bring relevant ID to collect at the front desk before the event.
Access information
Cinema 1
  • Both our Cinemas have step free access from The Mall and are accessible by ramp
  • We have 1 wheelchair allocated space with a seat for a companion
  • All seats are hard back, have a crushed velvet feel and they do not recline
  • These are our seat size dimensions: W 42 x D 45 x H 52
  • Arm rest either side of the seat dimensions: L 27 x W 7 x H 20
Please email access@ica.art
for the following requirements:
  • We have unassigned seating. If you require a specific seat, please reserve this in advance
  • Free for visitors where ticket prices are a barrier, please email

All films are ad-free and 18+ unless otherwise stated, and start with a 10 min. curated selection of trailers.

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