Upcoming & Recent Events
Film Screening: "In the Mood For Love" by Wong Kar-Wai
When: Sunday, September 7th, 2025 from 3:30 - 5:30 PM
Where: Meyer Auditorium, National Museum of Asian Art
Admission: Free and open to the public, registration required
The Chinese Arts & Humanities Initiative will be collaborating with the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Asian Art for a 25th anniversary showing of Director Wong Kar-wai’s In the Mood for Love (花樣年華). At once delicately mannered and visually extravagant, In the Mood for Love is a masterful evocation of romantic longing and fleeting moments. The last 25 years of cinema owe much to the stylistic influence of this film, from its aching musical soundtrack to the exquisitely abstract cinematography by Christopher Doyle and Mark Lee Ping-bin.
The screening will be followed by a talk by the GW Textile Museum Senior Curator Lee Talbbot on the costume design of the film, accentuated by the heroine's gorgeous Qipao (旗袍) collection. A reception will follow where the audience and guests can enjoy the Chinese noodles. Do not miss the in-theatre experience of this all-time classic!
View More on the GW Events Calendar
Past Events
- Academic Year 2023 - 2024
Film Screening: "The Mountain Path" by Edward Burger
Tuesday, April 19, 2024
A spirited young man journeys into the mountains of China in search of a Buddhist hermit master. Along the trail he meets an unexpected cast of dedicated recluses; the gaunt ascetic, the persevering nun, a wise old master and his disciples, all who, despite living far from the world, teach him all about how to live within it.
Edward A. Burger is one of the few foreigners to have lived and studied with the hermits of the Zhongnan Mountains. The Mountain Path recounts his personal journey, including the story of how he found his lifelong teacher and entered into the world of these dedicated recluses.
Book Launch: Enchanted Revolution by GW Prof. Xiaofei Kang
The Chinese Arts & Humanities Initiative sponsored the launch of Department of World Religions Professor Xiaofe Kang's book "Enchanted Revolution: Ghosts, Shamans, and Gender Politics in Chinese Communist Propaganda, 1942-1953". The book launch was part of the broader 2024 Spring Conference hosted by the China Affairs Forum, a GW student organization that is "dedicated to studying China from an objective and nonpartisan perspective."
Professor Kang gave a book talk and Q&A before raffling off 3 copies of her new book.
- Academic Year 2022 - 2023
History & Culture of Contemporary Chinese Dance
Saturday, September 30, 2023
Attendees explored the rich history and culture of contemporary Chinese dance through a lecture by Professor Emily Wilcox 魏美玲, author of Revolutionary Bodies, and a live performance by the Xuejuan Dance Ensemble. Drawing from over 80 years of dance history, Dr. Wilcox challenged common views of socialist-era influence and highlighted the evolution of Chinese dance through local and global influences. The ensemble’s performance brought her insights to life, showcasing the vibrancy of Chinese folk and classical dance in a dynamic fusion of scholarship and art.
Crafting Character: East and West: Lecture by Prof. Philip J. Ivanhoe
Wednesday, February 22, 2023
The event featured a lecture by Professor Philip J. Ivanhoe on the theme of human nature and ethics across early Greek, Roman, and Chinese philosophical traditions. It explored how these traditions understand human nature and how it can be shaped into a “second nature” for living a good life. Professor Ivanhoe focused especially on early Chinese texts, comparing them with Western virtue ethics. He also incorporated findings from contemporary psychology and neuroscience to support his analysis. The talk concluded with reflections on how these ideas relate to modern Chinese culture and politics. The lecture was introduced by Professor Xiaofei Kang and Dean Paul Wahlbeck.
Lunar New Year Lion Dance Celebration
Wednesday, January 18, 2023
the GW community gathered at Kogan Plaza to celebrate the Lunar New Year with a lively lion dance performance. The event featured traditional Chinese lion dancing and festive bites, creating a joyful and welcoming atmosphere. Students, staff, and faculty joined in the celebration, enjoying cultural performances and community spirit as they rang in the new year together.