Synopsis

Traversing all of his past films, master director and Festival mainstay Jia Zhang-Ke delivers an epic look at the romantic destiny of his perennial heroine, Qiaoqiao (played by his wife, Zhao Tao). Utilizing scenes from his past work as well as documentary footage collected over the decades, Jia invents bold new scenarios that track his muse over 21 years. In the process, he offers a survey of contemporary China that examines the emotional tumult of living through turbulent social change. An invigorating assemblage of material old and new, Caught By the Tides is a one-of-a-kind odyssey through a nation’s history and a legendary auteur’s work.

Past works shown by Jia Zhang-Ke at the Chicago International Film Festival include Unknown Pleasures (2002), Platform (2005), 24 City (2008), Mountains May Depart (2015), and Ash Is Purest White (2018).

Synopsis

This tender and introspective drama connects the lives of three seemingly disparate characters: an unexpectedly pregnant painter, a distracted tour guide, and a talentless boxer. Each at a crossroads in their lives, they’re forced to reflect on their pasts as they prepare for uncertain futures. Intricately weaving together the threads of their lives, the film offers an elegant, surreal portrait of a generation at a crossroads.

Synopsis

One of the most celebrated and influential comic book artists in all of Asia, Chen Uen drew influence from Chinese ink and western-style painting, wuxia films, and the world around him. He crafted a signature style, one that he adapted across art forms including video games and puppet shows. A series of emotional interviews are combined with a stunning visual showcase of his work to present an intimate portrait of a monumental talent, his evolution across different media, and his enduring legacy.

Synopsis

Tung-hao and Hsiu-yu are living on the fringes of society, struggling to help their family make ends meet. When a video of the brothers playing basketball goes viral, the two become coveted recruits for the annual High School Basketball League championship. After an argument between the two causes a rift in their relationship, they join separate rival squads in the leadup to the big tournament. When they cross paths in the biggest game of the year, the brothers discover that some things in life are more important than basketball.