Film narrative from a cross-cultural perspective: The artistic exploration and educational mission of Dr. Imran Khan
Recently, Dr. Imran Khan from Wenzhou-Kean University served as a jury member at the 16th edition of the ART&TUR International Tourism Film Festival held in Portugal. This marked his fifth year as a member of the judging panel at the festival, which aims to promote the exchange and promotion of tourism, culture, and sustainable development through films while providing a profound understanding of diverse regions and cultures worldwide.
Imran Khan, with his extensive film experience and academic background, brought a unique perspective to the festival. As an outstanding filmmaker, he has consistently been recognized at the international film festival ART&TUR, winning the first prize in 2014. “International film festivals are not just visual feasts; they are also a fusion of stories and emotions, weaving a beautiful symphony of resonance and plot,” said Dr. Khan. He believes that excellent films must be built on a good story, as it is the key element that gives life and soul to the creation.
ART&TUR: 2023 International Tourism Film Festival
Khan has produced a documentary series entitled “A Day in Life,” comprising over 25 documentaries. His documentaries cover stories of shepherds, fishermen, and other traditional occupations. Each documentary narrates the story of a custodian of ancient culture. Through projects like “Gladiator,” where they documented Portugal’s sole traditional bullfighting costume designer, Khan aims to preserve and protect disappearing ancient cultures.
As a director and filmmaker, he is dedicated to using film as a medium to tell cultural stories from around the world. Reflecting on his initial motivation for making documentaries, he expresses his enjoyment in interacting with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, understanding their traditional clothing and cuisine, and experiencing their customs and history. He believes that in modern society, many have forgotten their roots, and it is essential to take action to save disappearing ancient cultures. Documentary filmmaking, for Khan, is a step toward this mission.
When asked about what brought him to Wenzhou, Khan mentions his enduring interest in Chinese culture. He desires to explore the cultural underpinnings that support China’s development as the world’s second-largest economy. He immersed himself in Wenzhou’s culture, experiencing the cultural stories echoing between green waters and mountains. Worth mentioning, he was particularly drawn to the ancient artistry of Pingyang puppetry, appreciating its historical and cultural significance. Khan plans to create a documentary about Pingyang puppetry, not only as a tribute to Chinese culture but also as an effort to showcase the story of this traditional art form to the world.
As a foreign expert living and working in China, Khan understands the importance of understanding and integrating into Chinese culture, especially at a time when China plays a significant role in the global economy. He proposes the idea of hosting a film festival on the WKU campus to showcase China’s diverse cultural stories with the joint efforts of students. For those students aspiring to enter the film industry, Dr. Khan’s advice is to continue learning and maintain curiosity, as a good story and a profound understanding of culture are the keys to success.
