Join Professors Paul Van Heuklom and Ashley Green this Thursday evening for the first film and discussion in the new East Asia Film and Lecture Series, beginning at 6 p.m. in the Trutter Center. The series, in partnership with the UIUC Center for East Asian and Pacific Studies, is free and open to the public.

Thursday’s film is “Shower,” a 1999 comedy/drama and winner of Best Picture and Best Director at the 2000 Seattle International Film Festival. Discussion of the film will be led by Joy Yang Jiao, Ph.D. candidate at the Institute of Communication Research, College of Media at UIUC.

Critically acclaimed around the world, “Shower” features hilarious characters and stunning performances from well-known Chinese actors. When successful businessman Da Ming is summoned by his younger brother to come home to his father’s old-style bathhouse in Beijing, he can’t wait to return to his fast-paced modern life. But time amongst the crazy cast of characters that frequent the bathhouse gives him a new appreciation for traditional old ways. When a tragic event causes sudden change, Da Ming must choose between the prosperous life he’s made for himself and his responsibility to his family and heritage.