Overview

Ecological and Environmental Turns: (Re)mapping China's Sociocultural Landscape through Ecocinema offers an essential new perspective on one of today's most urgent global concerns: the relationship between humans and the environment. As climate change and culture, pandemics, and ecological crises reshape the world, this groundbreaking study explores how ecocinema and environmental film can transform environmental awareness. Bridging ecocriticism, environmental humanities, and film and environment analysis, this timely book examines fourteen influential films-including blockbusters, independent documentaries, and animations-that challenge anthropocentric worldviews and reveal the deep interconnections between human and nonhuman life. Through insightful analysis of disaster cinema, environmental activism, industrial landscapes, animal representation, and environmental justice, Ecological and Environmental Turns demonstrates how Chinese cinema contributes to global conversations on sustainability, ecological ethics, and cinema and ecology. Featuring 44 black-and-white images, this is a vital resource for scholars of film studies, Chinese studies, and environmental humanities-and an engaging read for anyone concerned with the planet's future.

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9781638573296

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""Professor Shuqin Cui demonstrates a deep familiarity with the history of Western ecocriticism, Chinese ecocinematic theories, and recent scholarship such as material ecocriticism. These theories are thoughtfully woven into her arguments. This diverse selection ensures that scholars and students familiar with Chinese ecofilms will either discover new valuable films or gain fresh interpretations of those already widely discussed. This study is very accessible to both general readers and college-level students. A distinct contribution is that this could be used as a practical textbook for teaching Chinese ecocinema-this book answers the question: 'To what extent can our research and teaching in the humanities help to provide our students with the means to better understand the alarming changes in the world around us?' This is a very impressive book, and I highly recommend it."" -Chia-ju Chang, Brooklyn College ""Ecological And Environmental Turns: (Re)mapping China's Sociocultural Landscape through Ecocinema presents a compelling and thoroughly researched argument, making a significant contribution to the fields of ecocriticism and ecocinema studies, with a particular focus on Chinese cinema. Through meticulous close readings, Shuqin Cui delves into the ideological frameworks and cinematic techniques of key films, providing a nuanced understanding of these works as both cultural artifacts and artistic expressions. Written with passion and a profound commitment to ecological issues, this study transcends academic analysis by aiming to raise awareness, influence daily practices, and inspire broader societal transformation. An essential resource for scholars and students of environmental studies and Chinese cinema, this book seamlessly connects academic inquiry with real-world ecological advocacy, making it both intellectually enriching and socially impactful."" -Haomin Gong, Lingnan University

Author Information

Shuqin Cui (Shu-chin Tsui) is the Bowdoin Professor of Asian Studies and Cinema Studies at Bowdoin College. In addition to journal articles, Professor Cui's publications include Gendered Bodies: Toward A Women's Visual Art in Contemporary China and Women Through the Lens: Gender and Nation in a Century of Chinese Cinema.

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