Brief Encounters - Episode 8

Matthew Sweet transports listeners into cinemas located around the world with a series of short features, eavesdropping on their stories, their characters and occasionally trying the snacks. Today, China. From the multiplexes of the western world to some of the most remote locations on Earth, the act of going to the cinema speaks volumes. This series captures the passions, problems and popcorn habits of film goers as they indulge in an activity that unites the planet. But the story of cinema now is also the story of the political and cultural tensions that divide the world. It's said that three new cinemas open everyday in China, but the Broadway Cinémathèque Moma in Beijing, stands out for its ingenious design and wide range of films on offer, world cinema as well as blockbusters. We hear from Wu Jing who has seen the cinema industry transform within her lifetime. Producers: Sara Jane Hall.