Whanganui Film Society shines spotlight on Chinese artists' Van Goghs

Whanganui Film Society offers a special screening open to the public next week.

The award-winning China's Van Goghs directed by Yu Haibo and Kiki Tianqi Yu is a one-hour 20-minute documentary about artists in the Chinese village of Dafen.

Established by a Hong Kong businessman in 1989, the "oil painting village " is home to talented forgers who produce replicas of Vincent Van Gogh paintings for department stores and souvenir shops around the world.

The commune has grown from humble roots (200 workers) to a hub hosting about 10,000 people responsible for a yearly turnover of $65 million.

Presented in co-operation with the Victoria University of Wellington's Confucius Institute, the screening is free for film society members. Non-members welcome to enter for a donation.

China's Van Goghs screens at the Davis Theatre, Whanganui Regional Museum, Watt St at 7pm on Monday, October 15. See more at nzfilmsociety.org.nz