Four people in four provinces struggle to navigate a rapidly changing China: Dahai, a miner who rebels against local corruption; San’er, a migrant worker who turns to violence; Xiao Yu, a sauna receptionist pushed to her limit by a wealthy client; and Xiao Hui, a young factory worker drifting from job to job in search of a better life. Together, they form a stark portrait of a country undergoing swift economic growth while increasingly shadowed by violence.

Masterclass on Jia Zhangke

The talk about Jia Zhangke, preceding the film A Touch of Sin will be presented by film expert Tim Maerschand (Urgent.fm). Christophe Verbiest who was supposed to give the talk had to cancel due to medical reasons.

Tim Maerschand co-presents the film program Kuleshov on radio station Urgent.fm and previously the podcast Wide Angle for Film Fest Gent. He is actively involved as a volunteer with the Ghent film collectives Ciné Rio and Kuru. As a freelance film journalist, he regularly provides introductions and after-show discussions in Ghent and beyond. He has previously contributed as a film critic to the magazines Filmmagie and Fantômas.