The screening on 22 March will be introduced by Maurizio Marinelli (UCL).

The World is Jia Zhangke’s fourth feature and his first officially approved, studio-backed film to receive theatrical release, marking a decisive transition from underground status to a new phase of filmmaking, while retaining his distinctive observational style.

Drawing inspiration from the real-life experiences of its lead actress Zhao Tao, who worked as a dancer in Shenzhen’s Window of the World before collaborating with Jia, the film is set in Beijing’s World Park, a theme park featuring miniature replicas of global landmarks, such as Big Ben and Eiffel Tower.

The film follows Tao, a young dancer performing at the World Park, and her boyfriend Taisheng, a security guard at the same site. As they navigate love, work, and uncertainty, their lives unfold in a space where the world appears compressed and accessible, yet remains emotionally distant. Through this fabricated landscape, the film offers a quietly incisive reflection on the impact of urbanization and globalization.

The screenings of The World are presented in partnership with Green Ray.

Cast:
Wang Hongwei, Zhao Tao, Cheng Taishen