Once Upon a Time in the Middle East: A fresh lens on anti-war cinema

This summer, Chinese cinemas are offering more than love stories and comedies. Alongside the epic "The Odyssey," another film is drawing growing attention – "Once Upon a Time in the Middle East." The film ‪follows Xu Fu, a Chinese chef who finds himself caught in a desperate struggle to save lives amid the flames of war in the Middle East.‬ It is a story about tragedy, survival and the unlikely power of a kitchen to bring people together. So, why do stories like this matter and why does the world need more of them? We have scholars, a Chinese film industry insider and an actor from the film to tell the story.



00:00 - Intro

01:08 - Taste of home for Chinese going abroad

04:07 - Why 'Once Upon a Time in the Middle East' is a powerful film

09:49 - How did an Iraqi journalist end up playing a role in a film

11:54 - Movie scenes true to life

15:48 - Chinese perspective on Mideast war disaster

21:10 - 'New meaning, rethinking' of war in movies

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