An exciting new edited collection, Charting Asian German Film History: Imagination, Collaboration and Diasporic Representation, by Qinna Shen, Zach Ramon Fitzpatrick and Qingyang Freya Zhou, has just been released with Camden House!
Here, Zach reflects on how the book was conceptualised and provides an insight into the contents of the book!
BACKSTORY:
During the pandemic, I found other colleagues in the sub-field of “Asian German studies” who were interested in researching film: Qinna Shen and Qingyang Freya Zhou
In 2021, we three decided to collaborate on an edited volume, collecting articles on various aspects of Asian German film history. After 3.5 years of drafts, revisions, peer review, proofreading, and more, our edited volume is finally out!
STRUCTURE:
Rather than a strict chronological approach, our volume focuses on three distinct trends and modes of film production
PART 1: IMAGINATION
Silent and early sound films generally shot in European studios, with little regard for a realistic or “authentic” depiction of their respective Asian cultures; yet, the films analyzed in this section surprisingly avoid some typical clichés
For example:
Chapter 2 on Buryat and Japanese Leads in Austrian-released films of the 1930s
Chapter 4 on Madame Menaka’s Indian dance troupe during the Third Reich
PART 2, COLLABORATION
From the 1920s onward, films shot on location throughout Asia, including co-productions between Asia countries and Germany and works by Asian (co-)directors; yet, the films may lack aesthetic coherence or be commercial failures
For example:
Chapter 6 on East German depictions of and collaborations with Asia, including Vietnam, Mongolia, and India
Chapter 8 on a B-movie co-production between Hong Kong and West Germany, combining sexploitation and martial arts
PART 3, DIASPORIC REPRESENTATION
From the 1960s onward, these films often highlight experiences of racism, hardship, and (non-)belonging. The post-migrant Asians in these films may have a stronger identification with Germany, even if the hegemonic society does not always accept them
For example:
Chapter 10 on Cho Sung-hyung’s documentaries about South Korea/West Germany and North Korea/East Germany
The book is out now!
https://boydellandbrewer.com/book/charting-asian-german-film-history/
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Considering asking your local or university library to order the book
Enjoy! 📖