World Premiere

Against the backdrop of the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics and escalating international condemnation and demonstrations over Chinese policies from Tibet to Darfur, THE RED RACE presents a detailed insight into the Chinese passion for gymnastics.

Shot in an observational style, the film beautifully captures the contradictions of modern China: poor families crowded into run-down, older apartment complexes while in the distance we see lights, skyscrapers, and prosperity.

The Lu Wan District Youth Athletic School in Shanghai seems to value competitive sports over reading and writing for its kindergarten-aged students. Many of the children come from rural provinces and live with grandparents or surrogate caretakers. Their parents hope to give them opportunities not available in the countryside. Some children voice hope that they will eventually become national gold medalists, successful enough to build homes for their families who live in poverty. Yet the path won't be easy. The trainers often “teach” by humiliation and punishment, and reward with candy. Two girls hanging from an overhead bar show pain and tears as a coach shouts from the sidelines. After one girl drops, the coach waves a timer in the face of the remaining girl.

These are the realities that the young children must face, as must the parents who send them knowing that their chances for success are slim and the journey will be grueling—yet also knowing that it is better than staying in the countryside. As the film progresses, one question persists:  at what price is the New China?

–Gail Silva