On October 22nd, Duke Kunshan University hosted a special pre-screening of The Dependence of The Old House, an evocative feature film by director Anping Shi. Held in the IB 1008 Lecture Hall, the screening, organized by the Media Arts Lab and sponsored by the Humanities Research Center, brought students and faculty together for a rare preview before the film’s official release, followed by an engaging Q&A with Shi himself and one of the leading actors Zhanfu Cheng.
Set against a backdrop of modernity infringing upon the personal histories and structures of the past, The Dependence of The Old House tells the story of 73-year-old Lao An, who is unwilling to sell his cherished old home, despite the insistence of his son, Anping, who hopes to relocate him to Beijing. This refusal, however, is just the beginning of an emotional journey for Anping. During an unplanned visit to his hometown, he discovers a peculiar scenario: a security guard has been pretending to be him in negotiations with a construction company, raising questions and suspicions that soon lead to deeper family revelations. The film subtly unveils a web of family secrets, personal attachments, and the complexity of familial bonds against a changing urban landscape. As Director Shi’s first long film, The Dependence of The Old House is shortlisted in the main competition unit of the 10th Chongqing Youth Film Exhibition, and the 10th Barcelona International Film Festival Main competition section.
Audiences were captivated by the story’s delicate handling of family dynamics and the introspective lens on elderhood and memory, themes that have universal resonance. With its 98-minute runtime, The Dependence of The Old House kept viewers enthralled from the first frame, offering a profound look into the lives of characters at a crossroads between the personal and the inevitable push of societal progress. For many in the audience, the screening served not only as entertainment but also as a deeply reflective experience, sparking conversations about familial obligations, the significance of home, and the sense of identity tied to our roots.
The post-screening Q&A brought a new layer of insight into the experience. Shi and Cheng were open and reflective about their artistic journey and the creative choices that shaped the film. Known for his nuanced approach to storytelling, Shi shared how his own background and experiences influenced the film’s themes and the character of Lao An, as well as his intent to explore themes of memory, nostalgia, and the inevitable shift brought on by urbanization. Students and faculty from DKU inquired about the making of this film, expressing interest in applying the techniques to their own creative journeys.
The DKU audience’s reception reflected a deep appreciation for Shi’s work. The event offered not just a viewing, but an immersive cultural and artistic experience that allowed the audience to delve into the film’s intricate layers. For those who attended, the screening was a powerful reminder of cinema’s ability to tell stories that touch the heart and provoke thought long after the credits roll.
