International Women’s Day lands in March, and this month’s Shenzhen Art Film Screening puts women in the spotlight. From family dramas to biographies, these films celebrate women in their glory with their stories front and center.

“Off the Stage” centers around a middle-aged Shaoxing opera actress, juxtaposing her glamorous onstage persona with the struggles she faces offstage. The movie, based on “An Everlasting Life,” the eighth Lu Xun Literature award-winning novella written by Ai Wei, earned He Saifei the accolade of Best Actress at the 36th Golden Rooster Awards for her touching portrayal of an artist and mother.

“Remember Me,” starring Kara Wai and Liu Haocun, revolves around the reunion of a kind-hearted woman and her granddaughter who accidentally got lost 12 years ago. During their time together, their secrets are gradually revealed.

"Remember Me"

“My Running Shadow,” starring Zhang Jingchu, tells the story of a mother taking care of her son who has Asperger’s syndrome. Once again, Zhang captivates audience members with a compelling portrayal, convincing them that her character’s relentless personal sacrifices prove to be worthwhile, despite all obstacles.

Hosted by the Publicity Department of the Shenzhen Municipal Committee of the CPC, the monthly Shenzhen Art Film Screening project is an open invitation for moviegoers to appreciate art films at affordable prices at four cinemas in the city. Audience members can also engage in discussions with outstanding filmmakers during certain events.

In addition to the female-led films in the project, crime movie “The Pig, the Snake, and the Pigeon” and sci-fi adventure “Dune: Part Two” have also been selected for this month’s screenings.

“The Pig, the Snake, and the Pigeon” follows Chen Kui-lin, the third most-wanted fugitive in Taiwan, who sets out to eliminate his top two “rivals” and assume the title of the most-wanted criminal. This peculiar film, inspired by an ancient Chinese folk tale, has garnered an impressive rating of 8.3 out of 10 on review site Douban, thanks to director Wong Ching-po’s innovative approach to the crime and gangster genre, and leading actor Ethan Juan’s captivating performance.

"The Queen"

Meanwhile, four women-centric films, “Send Me to the Clouds,” “Maria by Callas,” “The Queen,” and “Anita,” will be exclusively screened at Broadway Cinematheque in celebration of women’s month in March.

Venue: Broadway Cinematheque, 5/F, MixC World, Nanshan District (华润万象天地五楼深圳百老汇电影中心)

Metro: Line 1 to Hi-tech Park Station (高新园站), Exit A