The Confucius Institute for Scotland in the University of Edinburgh

The Scotland China Association`s April talk will be given by Menghan Guo of Heriot-Watt University Galashiels Textile College. Megan will give a talk on Chinese costumes in various dynasties. She will also describe how these have influenced contemporary design.

This event is organised by the Scotland China Association

Date : Tuesday 14 April 2009
Venue: The Meeting House, 7 Victoria Terrace, Edinburgh, EH1 2JL.
Time : 7.00pm for 7.30pm

Admission free, no tickets required. All welcome.

For an overview of the work of the Confucius Institute and a review of the 2008 China Now in Scotland festival, check out our new video channel.

This, the fourth feature film from director Lou Ye caused consternation with the Chinese authorities when submitted for the 2006 Cannes Film Festival without permission. The movie follows the evolving relationship of two young lovers against a volatile backdrop of political unrest.

Screening at 2pm in the basement of David Hume Tower, George Square, University of Edinburgh no advance booking required. Free admission.

For more information see the links below

Wikipedia

New York Times

thirtyframesasecond

Movie Exclusive

The giant panda (Aliurapoda melanoleuca) elicits strong emotions from people around the world. Its image pulls on the heartstrings and the fragility of its existence in the mountainous bamboo forests of Sichuan province in China make it one of the most endangered species in the world. Only 1600 are thought to be left in the wild although the recent earthquake has put even that low number in doubt.

Because of this the Chinese government manages a substantial international programme for the conservation of giant pandas. Research into natural habitat restoration and both wild and captive populations are key areas of this programme. Recent success in artificial breeding has resulted in increased numbers of giant pandas to form a sound basis for future research and reintroductions to the wild.

For the Chinese nation the giant panda is an iconic image. It is not ‘just another animal’. The gift of giant pandas to zoos outside China is a rare and important event, symbolic of friendship between the governments of the two countries. There must be a firm foundation of co-operation and understanding before such a gift is made.

There has been a long history of scientific co-operation between Scotland and China and by Edinburgh institutions in particular. The growth of China’s influence on the world in the 21st century is accepted as fact. Conservation, global warming, biodiversity loss are also key issues for the 21st century and so it is important that the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland contributes to research in these areas. The arrival of giant pandas at Edinburgh Zoo will form a basis for this and for its interpretation to the public of Scotland and the rest of the UK.

SPEAKERS

David Windmill is the Chief Executive of The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland and is responsible for Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park. He and his team are responsible for designing, driving and delivering the Masterplan for Edinburgh Zoo to accomplish a 20-year development of the Society into a 21st century wildlife conservation organisation.


Iain Valentine is the Head of Animals, Education and Conservation Departments and has responsibility for the charitable objectives of the Society which are wildlife conservation, education and research.

Stephen Woollard
Stephen Woollard is the Education and Interpretation Manager responsible for delivering a comprehensive cross curriculum education programme at Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park. The education and interpretation also extends to 720k visitors at both parks.


Date: 27 March 2009
Time: 1.30pm
Venue: Main Hall, The Hub,Castlehill, Edinburgh, EH1 2NE

Tickets: Free, subject to £3 per ticket admin fee

Tickets can be booked via the Hub Box Office Hub, Castlehill, Edinburgh or click here to book online

A wealth of links to give you a sense of what this movie is about. This Friday`s film will be screened as usual in the basement of the David Hume Tower, George Square, University of Edinburgh.

Winner of a number of awards including the `Silver Bear` at the 2003 Berlin International Film Festival, you can read more about this movie at the various links below.

The screening starts at 2pm. No reservation necessary, no admission fee.

Internet Movie Database

Wikipedia

New York Times