A Touch of Sin/Jia Zhangke

From 1 to 28 February, The Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) presents a month long season of Chinese filmmaker Jia Zhangke's A Touch of Sin. In competition for the converted Palme d'Or and winning Best Screenplay at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival, his latest release is a portrait of contemporary China, told through the true stories of four individuals.

Drawing on recent events occurring in China, A Touch of Sin is a provocative look at contemporary Chinese society, one grappling with political and economic change and the contradictions this brings to their way of life this brings. Four protagonists, from four different provinces across China are pushed to their limits in the face of inequality, corruption and the desire for their voices to be heard.

'Many people face personal crises because of the uneven spread of wealth across the country and the vast disparities between the rich and the poor" said Jia. 'Individual people can be stripped of their dignity at any time. Violence is increasing. It's clear that resorting to violence is the quickest and most direct way that the weak can try to restore their lost dignity."

To convey the complexities of the four stories, Jia looked to the wuxia (martial arts) style of storytelling, where working class heroes struggle against oppression and fight for what's right. Drawing inspiration from famed wuxia director King Hu, the title of the film is homage to King's A Touch of Zen.

Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter at Cannes, Jia said 'I really want to bring about some changes in China, and not just freedom of speech or freedom of expression. I want to use that free spirit and put it into my films, to let everyone see that with that belief in the free spirit, we can tell stories that help propel society forward, which is ultimately far more important."

Kristy Matheson, ACMI Film Programmer said 'the gritty narrative is belied by the films widescreen beauty. Coupled with the fine performances from professionals and newcomers alike, A Touch of Sin offers an exhilarating new side to the director's already impressive film repertoire."

A Touch of Sin screens at ACMI throughout February. For more information on session times and tickets, visit acmi.net.au/lp_touch_sin.aspx