SIFF Announces Godard Retrospective - Seven Masterpieces to be Screened

Seven of Godard\'s masterpieces -- Histoire(s) du Cinema, Weekend, Band of Outsiders, Breathless, Alphaville, Contempt, and Pierrot le Fou -- will be screened.

Revolutionary Director 

Jean-Luc Godard was the founder of the French "New Wave" cinema and is considered one of the world\'s leading film directors. His jaw-dropping revolutionary techniques did away with conventional standards, such as that a film needed an opening, a story and an ending. He is considered one of the greatest directors in film history. 

The SIFF retrospective of some of Godard\'s major works will be the first panoramic showcase in China of the director\'s cinematic output from different periods. In addition to the 50-year-old Breathless, 55-year-old Alphaville, Band of Outsiders, and Contempt, the complete 266-minute Histoire(s) du Cinema will also make its debut in Shanghai. A project commissioned by a TV station from 1988 to 1998, Histoire(s) du Cinema is a series of "documentaries" about film history. It\'s a collection of past films Godard has seen, loved and reflected on in his own film language and techniques. It\'s a tour de force. 

Critics and fans agree that on this 120th anniversary year of cinema, Histoire(s) du Cinema

examines "What is cinema", the central subject of film ontology. That\'s why it is considered an unparalleled reference to film history.

More Maestro Showcases 

The SIFF Showcase has a rich history and has developed a more diversified viewing range compared to the Hollywood system. As such, it is an eagerly anticipated annual cultural feast for movie fans. Every year, the city goes on a cultural spree and fans plan their all-night schedules around SIFF. Among the many different showcases, "A Tribute to Maestros" is the most widely anticipated key event. 

This year coincides with the 120th anniversary of the birth of film, as well as the 110th anniversary of the birth of Chinese film. Apart from “The Unfinished History of Cinema - Retrospective of Godard”, SIFF 2015 also will present a series of significant film showcases. More details will be provided as the festival draws closer. 

Starting from this year, Taobao’s Dianying will be the officially designated online ticketing platform for SIFF. Taobao’s strong technical support and service platforms will provide a more convenient online ticketing experience for both audiences and film enthusiasts.