Berlin x Chengdu: A Sichuanationship
FOOD & FOOTAGE – Independent movies in combination with food
20 AUGUST 2025 / starting 19:00
ZK/U BerlinSiemensstr. 27, 10551, Berlin, Germany
At Food & Footage, filmmakers and chefs come together to pair moving images with a curated menu specially designed to reflect the film program — bringing current social, cultural, and political topics to the table.
For the fourth year in a row, Berlin x Chengdu returns as a beloved summer gathering that celebrates the creative energies, cultural echoes, and community warmth of two cities. Bridging the spirit of Berlin and the spicy soul of Chengdu, this year’s curated short film program puts a spotlight on queer narratives, multigenerational social dynamics, imagined identities, and fleeting urban encounters. The four selected films present a vibrant cross-section of Chengdu’s independent cinema, opening up space for diasporic reflection and transcultural dialogue. The evening is rounded out with tea tasting, street food, and music — an invitation to gather, eat, watch, and connect.
Run! Dorothy! Run! 桃乐丝快跑！
Jinghao Shen
35’09’’
China, 2023
Chinese with English Subtitles
A queer reimagining of The Wizard of Oz, merging Western iconography with personal narrative. This hybrid visual essay explores how queer identity is shaped in contemporary China, navigating between local and global references through song, performance, and fantasy.
The Friends Zone 交友区域
Zijie Zhou
14’52’’
China, 2024
Chinese with English Subtitles
In three social hubs — schools, People’s Parks, and dance halls — the film traces the subtle social rituals of three generations, revealing how connection is sought, staged, and reinvented in modern Chinese society.
Walking With Her into the Night 一个散步的夜晚
Hui Shu
30'00''
China, 2023
Sichuan dialect with English Subtitles
Late at night in the city, a man and a woman share a final walk. A tender, quiet portrait of unresolved emotions and the quiet intimacy of goodbye.
The Parisian in Bali Village 巴黎人在八里庄
Bingxing Cen
15’00''
China
Mandarin & Sichuan dialect with English Subtitles
Li Simiao has never been to Paris, yet is convinced she’s Parisian. This whimsical portrait of ‘homeland confusion’ captures the absurdities of aspiration and identity in a rapidly transforming urban Chengdu.
The film screening is free of charge, a donation to CiLENS e.V. is appreciated. There is no ticket or food pre-sale for this event.
Fusion Maocai Rice Burger by food and performance artist duo Nur für Essen (怒妇儿) and Douhua (Sichuan-style savory soft tofu) by TANTAN DOUHUA (摊摊豆花) are available to purchase on the evening, first come first serve.
Doors open at 19:00
Dinner will be served from 19:00–20:00
Live Music with Sunset on the Rooftop from 19:45–20:30
Short Film Screening from 20:55–22:30
Your RSVP helps with food preparation.
CiLENS e.V. is a Berlin-based nonprofit curatorial collective exploring contemporary Sinophone and Asian diasporic cultures through thematic film screenings and interdisciplinary programs, fostering transcultural dialogue and community-rooted practices.