This film is part of Free
Scenes of Northern China
Remarkable footage of a busy township market in a remote and impoverished area of north China seemingly untouched by the modern world.
Overview
This remarkable film shows a remote north China township seemingly untouched by modernity. An elaborate memorial arch leads to the main thoroughfare and a busy market with all manner of stalls and small traders. Life here is simple but still eventful, and entertainment is provided by a storyteller and an erhu (Chinese violin) player. People can barely afford to buy, but they can still browse!
China was by now a republic, but many areas to the far north and west remained poor and isolated. Winter has clearly set in, as can be seen from the padded clothing of these rural people, but it doesn't prevent them from visiting the market, probably the main centre of activity in the area. It was precisely poor and remote areas such as these that were targeted by missionaries; near the end of the film, we see a man handing out booklets, which may contain religious material, possibly provided by the Western gentleman standing at his side.
Related
A Stilted City. Chungking. China A Stilted City. Chungking. China
Travelogue 1930 1 mins Silent Location: Chongqing
Life among the limpet-like buildings clinging to the steep banks of the Yangtze in southwest China.
Mongolia Mongolia
Amateur film 1935 42 mins Silent
Mongolian men show off their prowess in wrestling, archery and horse racing, known as the βthree manly gamesβ.
Homework and Street Scenes in China Homework and Street Scenes in China
Travelogue 1908 7 mins
Intimate vignettes of crafters, beggars and labourers in the workshops, on the streets and eating in the outdoor kitchens of imperial China.
Among the Tribes in South-West China Among the Tribes in South-West China
Documentary 1948 37 mins Silent
This alluring travelogue follows a missionary on his colourful journey into the ethnically diverse mountains of Yunnan, south west China.
Rice Cultivation in the Si-kiang Delta, South China Rice Cultivation in the Si-kiang Delta, South China
Documentary 1937 2 mins Silent
An exceptionally detailed look at the process of rice cultivation, from planting to harvesting to pounding, in the Xi Jiang Delta, Guangdong Province.
An Oriental Venice An Oriental Venice
Travelogue 1925 2 mins Silent Location: Hangzhou
Enjoy a cruise along the ancient canals of Zhejiang Province in eastern China with this gorgeous stencil-coloured travelogue
New Perspectives: Oldboy New Perspectives: Oldboy
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Discover why Luke Bean of Northumbria University believes everyone should experience Oldboy at least once.
New Perspectives: Wings of Desire New Perspectives: Wings of Desire
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Samantha Arnold of Northumbria University offers fresh insight into why Wings of Desire remains essential viewing.
Horace OvΓ© on Pressure Horace OvΓ© on Pressure
Inside Film 2005 36 mins
The acclaimed director discusses his landmark film in this interview from 2005.
Baltimore - Exclusive Q&A Baltimore - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 28 mins
Directors Christine Molloy and Joe Lawlor dig deep into their thrilling biopic Baltimore, in discussion with Nadia M Oliva.
Pressure star Herbert Norville on Horace OvΓ©'s masterpiece, the first full-length Black British film Pressure star Herbert Norville on Horace OvΓ©'s masterpiece, the first full-length Black British film
Inside Film 2023 17 mins
Actor Herbert Norville discusses working with the pioneering filmmaker on his groundbreaking 1975 drama, Pressure.
Horace OvΓ©: Reflecting the People β A Career Retrospective Horace OvΓ©: Reflecting the People β A Career Retrospective
Inside Film 2023 77 mins
An impassioned discussion on the life, work and legacy of the eminent filmmaker Horace OvΓ©, chaired by Samira Ahmed.