Humanity in Images—— Visual Anthropology Academic Marathon held in Guangzhou, China

Behind every successful academic gathering lies the tireless dedication of countless individuals working behind the scenes. This August, the Visual Anthropology Forum (VAF), a new branch of the CHINA ANTHROPOLOGICAL INQUIRY CONFERENCE(CAIC),

is set to commence.

About the event

CAIC's second conference was held in Guangzhou, with academic support provided by the Guangzhou Non-Fiction Film Innovation and Development Center and other institutions. Over 30 high school students from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong, Jiangsu, and other provinces and municipalities formed five field research teams. They conducted in-depth investigations across Guangzhou city and completed five micro-documentaries focusing on guardians of Lingnan culture.

A filmmaker documenting a vibrant cultural festival.

Among them, Lacquered Life in Pantang portrays a private collector's decades-long passion and dedication to preserving Cantonese lacquerware, using lacquer boxes as vessels to reveal the cultural memory of Pantang Community;  Xu Wei traces the multifaceted career choices of champion model Chen Xuwei, showcasing the charm and vitality of contemporary youth; Drink! Eastward Bound, True Essence Found uses the mirror of martial arts master-disciple interactions to reflect the inheritance and innovation of traditional martial arts within modern education systems; Cantonese Opera Star showcases the artisan spirit and cultural heritage behind Cantonese opera through costume designer Qin Zhili's 29 years of dedication; My Grandmother delves into the daily lives of the elderly, offering a nuanced exploration of their role recognition within families and society.

During the screening segment, the creative teams shared their cultural discoveries, academic reflections, and personal insights gained during filming. Expert judges from institutions including Sun Yat-sen University and the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts provided professional critiques of the works. As you embark on your filmmaking journey, keep these tips in mind. The world is waiting to hear the stories that only you can tell.

For more details, please go to https://www.caic.net.cn/copy-of-events-news