Cinematic chronicler

China's arthouse maestro Jia Zhangke, known for capturing the country's social changes in his films, now seeks also to effect change in parliament as a delegate to a top-level national advisory body.

Published Fri, Jul 3, 2020 · 09:50 PM

China

Jia Zhangke is feted in arthouse cinema as the pre-eminent filmmaker depicting contemporary Chinese life in feature films and documentaries. On the big screen, he chronicles the personal struggles and emotional voyages of ordinary folks in China's fast-modernising rural towns and cities. His characters are drawn from real life, from a small-time pickpocket to coal miners or a touring musical troupe.

With a keen eye and a flair for storytelling, coupled with the drive and aspiration of an entrepreneur, …