SoFTA South Reviews · Researching China-'HERE Research' Screening and Exchange Event

Details

• Time: 2:30-4:30PM
• Date: 1 December 2023, Friday
• Venue: Cinema, AS Building
• Language: Chinese (Chinese and English subtitles)

Abstract

This is a screening and communication event in collaboration with South Reviews Researching China. SoFTA student Xuetao Liu’s research project, ‘Mastery of life skills and social integration of people with visual impairment - based on field research in Shanxi’, won the first prize in Researching China 2023. This event will showcase her documentary with media professionals to share their experiences in social and cultural research.

Agenda

• 14:05-14:30 Pre-event experience: Blindfold challenge
• 14:30-14:35 Official start of the event
• 14:35-14:40 Opening speech
• 14:40-14:50 Guest speech: Shihao Zhong “Step Out, Open the Window to the World”
• 14:50-15:10 Research team presentation: "Mastering Life Skills and Social Integration of Individuals with Visual Impairments: A Field Study in Shaanxi"
• 15:10-15:20 Tea break
• 15:20-15:45 Screening
• 15:45-16:10 Salon discussion: Nengjie Jiang, Ling Gao, Xuetao Liu
• 16:10-16:20 Interactive session
• 16:20-16:30 Summary

Film Introduction

• Title: Beyond the Horizon (Accessible Version)
• Language: Mandarin
• Subtitles: Bilingual (Chinese and English)
• Synopsis: This film can be experienced with eyes closed. It is the only work integrating research topics into a video format made accessible for visually impaired individuals, a subject of significant interest in the film and television industry. In China, there are over 18 million people with visual impairments. Among the production team of this film is a visually impaired individual. Starting with describing emojis in text messages within the group, the team deeply immersed themselves in the lives and daily routines of visually impaired people. The film covers subjects including young students, high school students preparing for college entrance exams, and adults, offering a multi-dimensional observation and experience of the needs of visually impaired individuals at different stages of their lives. The short film presents a thought-provoking perspective: an obstacle does not equate to a defect. Making life convenient for "them" also makes it convenient for "us". The assistance needed by visually impaired individuals is not fundamentally different from the needs faced by people in special circumstances, like pregnant women with mobility issues or elderly people who cannot read or write Chinese characters.