New Beijing, New Marriage

Director:Popo Fan, David Zheng

Screenwriter:None

Cast:None

Producer:David Zheng

Cinematographer:Fan Popo, Lv Lv

Running Time:18mins

Region:China

Year:2009

Language:Mandarin Chinese

Production Company:None

Watch the Trailer

SYNOPSIS

Director Popo Fan’s debut work documents a bold activist action on Valentine’s Day, 2009. Planned by a group of queer activists, two fake same-sex couples staged wedding photo shoots on Qianmen Street, a popular tourist spot in central Beijing. On this sunny spring day, public interviews were also conducted to gauge the openness of Chinese society toward new types of love. 

Director Biography

As a filmmaker, Popo Fan has made a notable impact on Chinese society through his queer documentary films since 2009. In 2017, he relocated from Beijing to Berlin, where he shifted his focus to writing and directing scripted films. His work delves into intersectional themes such as migration and gender, often incorporating genre elements like comedy and thriller. After releasing several short films in Germany, Popo is currently developing his debut narrative feature. He was selected for Berlinale Talents in 2017 and served on the jury for the Teddy Award at the Berlinale in 2019. In 2023, he received the PorYes Feminist Porn Award in Berlin. Popo remains active in queer advocacy in China, where he continues to serve as a trainer for the Queer University Video Camp and has helped organize the Beijing Queer Film Festival for nearly two decades. In addition, he writes regular columns for several Chinese media platforms and occasionally performs stand-up comedy. He loves cooking and singing—and sometimes coincidentally combines the two in his “Kitchen Karaoke” videos, which can be found on Instagram.

Director's Statement

It is very exciting to be at the scene of this event. I hope my record can help us remember these moments.

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