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Z365" or "Festival all year round" is the new strategic point of the Festival in which converge investigation, accompaniment and development of new talents (Ikusmira Berriak, Nest); training and cinematic knowledge transfer (Elías Querejeta Zine Eskola, Zinemaldia + Plus, Filmmakers' dialogue); and investigation, disclosure and cinematic thought (Z70 project, Thought and Discussion and Research and publications).
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Chinese director Xiaoyu Qin transitions from documentary to fiction with Jianyu laide mama / Her Heart Beats in Its Cage, presented in the Official Selection at Zinemaldia.
The film tells the true story of Xiaohong Zhao, a woman who spent ten years in prison after killing her husband. The role is portrayed by the real-life actress herself.
The film explores the emotional impact of domestic violence, hinting at selfdefence without directly stating so. At the press conference, Zhao, visibly moved, said she hopes the film will help other women around the world in similar situations. Qin also addresses the issue of rural-to-urban migration in China, depicting the protagonist’s struggle with her son’s education and the distant relationship between them after leaving prison. Despite presenting a fictionalised narrative, many scenes are based on real-life events and on the director’s interviews with over a hundred inmates. Through this poignant portrayal, Qin aims to shed light on social concerns, including prison conditions and gender-based violence.
Monday to Thursday: from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Fridays: from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.