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This past week, Communication University of China (CUC), which boasts the number one film program in China, invited Dean Stephen Ujlaki to their Bejing campus to kick-off their “Global Vision” lecture series. Dean Ujlaki, a seasoned producer, presented on the topic of “The Current State of Chinese Cinema” to an audience of over 200 faculty and students. Ujlaki’s presentation examined the challenges that face current Chinese cinema, and ways that young entrepreneurs and storytellers can impact the future of the booming Chinese film industry.
Dr. Maureen Weatherall, Prof. Stephen Ujlaki, and Diana Chen
“It was an honor to be selected as the inaugural speaker for the CUC’s lecture series on Global Vision,” said Ujlaki. “Presenting my topic, I urged Chinese filmmakers not to try to imitate Hollywood films, despite its current cultural dominance, but to create a Chinese cinema that draws from their own culture and unique history. I was encouraged by the enthusiasm of the Chinese students and faculty for this approach.”
Dean Ujlaki and Vice Provost Maureen Weatherall led the delegation from LMU to discuss future partnerships with CUC, including student and faculty exchange, summer programs, and joint student film projects.
“Our ongoing work with CUC reflects the international recognition and strength of LMU’s School of Film & Television,” said Weatherall. “Future partnerships will allow our students and faculty to work closely with their peers in CUC to develop a deeper understanding of how to collaborate and create across cultures.”
LMU SFTV is consistently ranked among the top film schools in the U.S., and was ranked #8 in the nation by The Hollywood Reporter and #6 by USA Today in 2016.