Malcolm Clarke, the famous British documentary filmmaker who has won two Academy Awards, shared his motivations behind exploring China's resilience and progress through his lens during the 2024 Beijing Cultural Forum. Clarke, known for his poignant portrayals of contemporary China, delved into the genesis of his filmmaking journey and the challenges he faced along the way.
"They knew nothing about the real China."
Clarke's fate with China dates back to his early visits in the 1980s, a period marked by significant transformation. "I came to China in the '80s," he reminisced, "and since then, I've witnessed unparalleled growth in living standards, education, quality of life, and poverty alleviation." However, it wasn't until 2014, when he was invited by the late Henry Kissinger, a former U.S. secretary of state, that he decided to embark on a film project focused on the relationship between China and the United States.
The film, titled "Better Angels," aimed to showcase the potential for harmonious coexistence between the two nations. "It was a film that was optimistic about the future of the relationship between America and China," Clarke explained. However, the political landscape shifted dramatically during the film's production.
Undeterred by these developments, Clarke remained committed to telling the truth about China's achievements. "I saw it differently." he said. "I thought these guys in America were attacking China, and they knew nothing about the real situation in China. So I decided to dedicate a little bit of my life. I'm much older now, but I feel that someone has to tell the truth about what's happening here. Without any propaganda."
"Film is an extraordinary weapon."
Clarke emphasized the transformative power of documentary filmmaking, particularly in the digital age. "Film is an extraordinary weapon. And if you can make a good movie, which is heartfelt and true, then you can change hearts and minds. And that's why I'm here," he remarked.
In contrast to the past, when making a documentary was a costly and cumbersome process, today's technology has democratized the means of production. "Every single person has a phone in their pocket, and you can make a film on your phone. You can edit it on your phone, and you can put it out on your phone," he said, underscoring the accessibility and reach of modern filmmaking tools.
Clarke believes that documentaries have the unique ability to cross-fertilize information and spark diverse perspectives. "It's important that you don't automatically accept what people tell you about the world," he stressed. Encouraging intellectual curiosity and skepticism, he believes that everyone interprets films differently, and these different interpretations enrich the narrative.
"'Black Myth' does a genius job in creating a medium to look at China."
When asked about his views on the global influence of Chinese culture, Clarke cited the example of "Black Myth: Wukong," a game that he admires for its innovative approach to storytelling. "They've done a genius job in creating a medium where people, especially kids, can look at China from a whole different perspective and fall in love with its mythology, legends, and storytelling," he said.
"The charm of China lies not just in its economic and technological advancements but also in its rich cultural heritage," he concluded, emphasizing the importance of showcasing China's multifaceted identity to the world.
Reporter/Video | Alice
Editor | Monica, Nina, James
