Sun Yu (1900–1990) is one of the key directors of his generation. His work combines an experimental approach to cinematic styles with a social conscience and a profound humanism. He began making films after returning to Shanghai in 1926 from studies in the United States of America, which included courses in scriptwriting and theatre at Columbia University, as well as cinematography and editing at the New York Institute of Photography. In 1930, Sun commenced a long-term collaboration with left-wing studio Lianhua Film Company, becoming one of its key directors. At around this time, a film group was set up in the Communist Party to promote films with progressive themes — writers, critics and directors rallied to create and support progressive cinema. Dominant social realist styles were also shaped by the May Fourth Movement, which originated in 1919 as a mass anti-imperialist protest promoting anti-feudalism, nationalism and the liberation of the individual; the ensuing cultural movement explored new and progressive styles and subjects. Left-wing films often addressed the pitfalls of modern life, its iniquities and changing gender roles, and also exhibited a growing Chinese patriotism in reaction to Japanese aggression. Sun’s films comment on social disparity in humanist terms with lively characters and situations, avoiding didacticism but containing key left messages. Little Toys 1933 with two great actresses, Ruan Lingyu and Li Lili, Sun’s powerful nationalist statement on economic self-reliance, cuts between images of handmade toys and military hardware. Queen of Sport 1934 draws on the heroic documentary style of Soviet cinema. Sun was denounced by Mao in 1951, and afterwards made only three more films.
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Street address
Stanley Place
South Bank
Brisbane
Australia
Postal address
PO Box 3686
South Brisbane
Queensland 4101
Australia
Telephone
+ 61 (0)7 3840 7303
Fax
+ 61 (0)7 3844 8865
Opening hours
Monday to Friday 10.00am - 5.00pm
Saturday and Sunday 9.00am - 5.00pm
ABN
66 758 806 810
