BFI London Film Festival Experimenta: Glance On A Revolution: Foolish Old Man Who Removed The Mountains

These films were shot in China in 1972-73 by Loridan and Ivens, two of the greatest documentarians of the last century. They offer a unique insight into the impact of the Cultural Revolution on art and education, from a professor talking reticently about the changes in academic life and a teacher reprimanding herself for being a reactionary. The Peking Opera’s transformation into the New Model Opera is brilliant propaganda that enacts the history of the Communist party from its early rural beginnings to the Revolution.

Helen de Witt Digital restoration was carried out from the 2K scan of the 16mm negatives. Scans and restorations were carried out by the laboratory of CNC Bois d’Arcy. Colour grading and finishes have been made by the Eclair laboratory.

Tickets for London Film Festival screenings can be purchased through the BFI and BFI Box Office 020 7928 3232 (9.30am-8.30pm daily) or the London Film Festival website: bfi.org.uk/lff