The Red Race
China, Germany , 2008

Directed by: Chao Gan
Script: Chao Gan
Producer: Menchou Chang
Production company: : Double Montage Production
Cinematography: Wei Gong
Editing: Bas Roeterink
Music: Hancun Shen

Format: boja, color, video
Running time: 70'

Synopsis
This is a road without end, no retreat. These children endlessly jump, roll, and stand on ends upon the red path with only ceaseless criticism and the burden to succeed as their company. They come from poor families with their destitute parents expecting only one thing from them, to become famous one day in the gymnastic field. The children at the Shanghai Luwan gymnastic team are stronger and more mature than kids their age. They shoulder physical pain and inner isolation under the condition of ceaseless expectations. Through all this they also attempt to find glory and happiness…How a group of 6-year-old gymnastics children build their personalities under the Chinese sport and education system. How they endure hard training and ferocious competition with the Olympic dreams.

Directors Biography
In 2000 Chao Gan got his Bachelor of Arts in Chinese Literature, Department of Chinese Language and Literature at Fudan University in Shanghai, China. In 2002. he copleted it with Master of Arts in Television Studies, Department of Drama at the University of Bristol in UK. He works as director and editor at the Documentary Channel in Shanghai Media Group. Last House Standing (2002) was his documentary film debut.

Location and screening schedule:
premiere: SC Cinema, Wednesday, October 22nd at 17.00
reprisal: BUG cinema &TD, Thursday, October 23rd at 11.00