Center for East Asian Studies film series focuses on digital age

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas Center for East Asian Studies' 2024-2025 programming, which focuses on the digital age, continues this fall with a film series in partnership with Lawrence Public Library.

The Digital Age Film Series is the center's third annual Asian film series. The four films will address diverse perspectives on contemporary digital issues through the lens of global Asia. 

This film series is part of the center's Title VI grant activities, and all events are free and open to the public.

Film schedule:

• “Pulse” (2001): 6 p.m. Oct. 9, English Room, Kansas Union. Q&A led by Linda Galvane, assistant professor of East Asian languages & cultures.
• “Hanzi: Exploring Language and Culture through Chinese Typography” (2017): 1 p.m. Oct. 12, Lawrence Public Library. Q&A led by Cecilia Zhang, librarian specializing in Chinese studies.
• “Past Lives” (2023): 1 p.m. Oct. 19, Lawrence Public Library. Q&A by Logan Ward, doctoral candidate in the history of art.
• “Total Trust” (2023): 6 p.m. Oct. 23, English Room, Kansas Union. Q&A by Hong Tien Vu, professor of journalism.

CEAS programming addresses digital-related issues through educational activities such as a movie series, guest speakers and a spring symposium. This year’s theme critically reflects the present moment. The digital age has transformed every aspect of daily life, and technology has become an integral aspect of society across gender, age, dis/ability, class, geography and more. 

The digital age presents in various formats ranging from digital humanities and social media to online gaming, multimedia, robotic devices and severance.  

Ayako Mizumura, CEAS assistant director, said she hoped the series “will generate engaging conversations through diverse viewpoints and sharing of experiences and stories across generations.”

This year’s programming was developed in collaboration with Maya Stiller, history of art; Galvane, Vu, Zhang and Mizumura; and members of KU's Scholars of East Asian Studies and in partnership with the Lawrence Public Library.