Promotional material for Swissplained Photo: Courtesy of the Embassy of Switzerland in China

Film festival screens indie productions from Switzerland 

Organized by the Embassy of ­Switzerland in China, this film ­festival in Beijing is currently screening seven indie productions from Switzerland. 

The Swissplained festival is screening five Swiss-produced documentaries, one biographical film and one feature film.

Unlike major blockbusters with epic stories and dazzling visuals, these seven films focus on specific stories showing the humanity of ordinary people. 

Les Dames, an 81-minute-documentary, focuses its lens on the love stories of five 60-year-old women. Apres I'Hiver (Lit: After winter) focuses on young people's education and career choices, while Who is afraid of Alice Miller? discusses mental health issues. 

"In addition to banks, watches and chocolates, we hope that the Chinese public will know more about Switzerland," said Thomas Stähli, the deputy head of mission of the Embassy of Switzerland in China.

Jürg Burri, the new Swiss Ambassador to China, said that he hopes the film festival introduces the cultural landscape of Switzerland to the Chinese public.  

Rabbit-themed show ­interprets zodiac sign through digital art 

Tu Zhi Tu Zhi, a rabbit-themed digital art show, is currently on display at Beijing's trendy cultural spot, the 798 Art Zone.

The exhibition at the 798 Art Zone's Creative Plaza displays a variety of new media works created by Chinese artist Zhi Zhi. Digital paintings, images, sculptures and also interactive devices all number among the artist's offerings at the exhibition.

The year 2023 dovetails with the rabbit sign in the Chinese zodiac. Zhi Zhi was inspired by this traditional symbol. 

The Chinese artist's rabbit art works are divided into five series: invention, adventure, the walker, classic and the metaverse-related cyber series. 

One of the show's highlights is Star Trip Rabbit. It is a Tiffany blue sculpture that shows a rabbit wearing a space suit but also reflects the artist's imagination about the universe.