Arguably the most reputed yet enigmatic film from Qin Dao, this work transcends celluloid, screen, and the social milieu of post-socialist China, while interrogating the nature of cinema. Qin Dao is an artist, filmmaker and publisher based in Guangzhou, China. He is the owner of On Kino – a self-claimed film theatre, video screening room and a moving image archive all in one. Since 2017, On Kino has organised regular screening programs that comprise rare, forgotten, or orphan films on 16mm, 35mm, 8.75mm, super 8 or VHS formats, most of which have been discovered by Qin Dao himself. In addition to On Kino, Qin Dao’s practice also includes exhibitions, publications, and printmaking.

“Making this film, at the beginning, is just in order to create a still. Once the film is finished, its print shall be archived or be burned directly. I made this only to satisfy myself, I will not take a photo and claim that it is from a film that never exists. The film you see at the moment, I cannot even make a still of it. Besides, the film needs to be re-screening all the time.” (Qin Dao)

Followed by a conversation with Qin Dao and Bo Wang.

Presented in collaboration with Sine Screen.