ChinaFest 2026 Opening Celebration
Friday, February 6 at 5:30 p.m.
Ukrop Auditorium, Robins School of Business
University of Richmond
The 21st annual ChinaFest launches with a viewing of the documentary film Dora Fugh Lee: A Life in Art, featuring the narration of ChinaFest founder Rose Chen, and a conversation with director Samantha Cheng. A celebratory reception catered by Peter Chang will follow. Then, watch comedian and cultural commentator Jesse Appell's one-man-show.
Co-sponsored with the UR Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and the Rose Group for Cross-Cultural Understanding.
Jesse Appell
Bilingual Comedian
Jesse Appell is a bilingual comedian, author, social media creator and entrepreneur followed by over 3 million people in both China and the West. His appearances on Chinese TV shows such as “Huan Le Xiju Ren” 欢乐喜剧人, and his comedy fundraisers during COVID, have led to over 500 million total views of his comedy videos around the world.
In 2012, Jesse won a Fulbright Fellowship to move to Beijing and research Chinese traditional “Xiangsheng” comedy, apprenticing to Master Ding Guangquan, one of the top comedians in China and the only traditional comedy master to take foreign disciples. Over the following decade, he played a role in the rise of the modern comedy scene in China, a story chronicled in his new book, This Was Funnier in China.
Weekend of Events
Friday
February
6
CHINAFEST OPENING CELEBRATION
View a screening of documentary film Dora Fugh Lee: A Life in Art, and hear from comedian Jesse Appell.
5:30-8:45pm, @ Ukrop Auditorium, UR
Saturday
February
7
FAMILY DAY AT THE VIRGINIA MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS
Explore the culture, traditions, and art of China. Watch engaging dance and music performances and take part in art activities during the ChinaFest Year of the Fire Horse Family Day celebration.
10:00am – 4:30pm, @ VMFA, (200 N Arthur Ashe Blvd, Richmond, VA 23220).
FILM SCREENING: NE ZHA
A 2019 Chinese animated fantasy adventure film.
4:00-6:00pm @ Ukrop Auditorium UR
PING PONG TOURNAMENT
Hosted by UR's Chinese Student and Scholars Association (CSSA).
Time TBA, Weinstein Rec Center, UR
Sunday
February
8
DOCUMENTARY FILM SCREENING: 24 CITY
A 2008 documentary. Q&A session with Professor Calvin Hui from William & Mary to follow.
4:00-6:30pm @ Ukrop Auditorium, UR
Monday
February
9
FILM SCREENING: POLICE STORY
A 1985 action film. Q&A session with Professor Lauren Steimer from the University of South Carolina to follow. Snacks and beverages provided.
6:00-8:00pm @ The Byrd Theatre (2908 W Cary St, Richmond, VA 23221)
Featured Films
Dir. Samantha Cheng, 2024, 27 min.
Fine artist Dora Fugh Lee was born to a noble family in China. A direct descendant of Empress Xiaoxianchun, Dora grew up during the most tumultuous times in China’s history: Emperor PuYi’s abdication; two invasions by Japan; World War II and the Chinese civil war. Her life and art are explored revealing why her work is so compelling. Dora is considered one of the last Chinese Literati Painters.
Friday, February 6, 5:30 p.m.
Ukrop Auditorium, Robins School of Business
Dir. Jiaozi, 2019, 100 min.
Ne Zha, a young boy born with the destructive powers of a demon orb, finds himself as an outcast who is hated and feared by the townsfolk in Chengtang Pass. Destined by prophecy to bring destruction to the world, Ne Zha must choose between good and evil in order to break the shackles of fate and become the hero.
Saturday, February 7, 4:00 p.m.
Ukrop Auditorium, Robins School of Business
Dir. Jia Zhangke, 2008, 107 min.
The documentary follows three generations of people in Chengdu as a state-owned factory is torn down and replaced by a modern apartment complex. Former factory workers who were born in the 1930-’50s tell their stories about the factory and their lives.
Sunday, February 8, 4:00 p.m.
Ukrop Auditorium, Robins School of Business
Dir. Jackie Chan, 1985, 100 min.
An honest Hong Kong cop, played by Jackie Chan, finds himself framed for the murder of a dirty cop while protecting a Triad boss’s girlfriend-turned-informer, and goes on the run.
Monday, February 9, 6:00 p.m.
The Historic Byrd Theatre, 2908 W Cary St, Richmond, VA 23221
Annual Ping Pong Tournament
Hosted by the Chinese Students and Scholars Association
University of Richmond’s Chinese Students and Scholars Association (CSSA) invites the UR campus community to its much loved Ping Pong Tournament. Come to play casually or enter the doubles tournament. Drinks and snacks provided, and prizes for the tournament winners!
Saturday, February 7, Time TBA
Weinstein Recreation Center
ADDITIONAL CHINAFEST RESOURCES & PARTNERS:
The Rose Group for Cross-Cultural Understanding
About ChinaFest
&
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA)
ChinaFest Family Day