BookExpo America Hosts Chinese Delegation In Historic First Cultural And Commercial Exchange

NEW YORK, May 26, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- This year's BookExpo America (BEA) for the first time hosts a Chinese delegation as part of its Global Market Forum (GMF) initiative, bringing the world's largest market to U.S. shores and kicking off more than a dozen events to take place across New York City. The Chinese delegation at BEA will be the largest international delegation to ever attend the event, with more than 500 professionals representing more than 100 publishing companies, along with 26 of China's most distinguished authors. The cultural exchange will include a series of panels and activities at BEA as well as offsite events open to the general public. It will also be highlighted by the appearance of several notables including Wu Shangzhi, the Vice Minister of State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television; Cui Tiankai, the Ambassador of China to the United States; Zhang Qiyue, the Consul-General of the Chinese Consulate in New York; Penny Abeywardena, NYC Commissioner of International Affairs; and Robert Holleyman, the Deputy United States Trade Representative.

"This is a significant exchange between two cultures and industries that we believe will have a lasting impact on the relationship between the two countries and their respective publishing and cultural markets.  Importantly, it will escalate exposure to literary tastes and traditions across boundaries that have been impediments to dialogue and exchange in the past," said Steven Rosato show Manager for Book Expo America. "It will also be a true celebration of Chinese culture with an amazing lineup of events."

There will be more than 50 events and panels taking place at the Jacob Javits Center and offsite locations throughout New York City.  Highlights of these events include:

"Beautiful China" Photo Exhibition (UN Headquarters)

A total of 60 photographs from China and Beautiful China, the large-scale visual art collections jointly published by institutions at home and abroad, will be on view to the public. All are works by renowned Chinese photographers, and offer a chance for visitors to better understand China, discover its exquisite world heritage sites, picturesque sceneries, and landscapes and learn more about Chinese culture. Exhibition on display at UN Headquarters May 26-30.

China-US Publishing and Media Industry Forum (Jacob Javits)

The US and China, the two largest publishing markets in the world, are witnessing a deep transformation of their book industries, by the forces of digital media and globalization, along with changing markets and audiences.  Both markets are grappling with and rethinking, the idea of publishing in the 21st century. This Forum brings together industry leaders from both countries for a fascinating discussion about the opportunities and challenges on the road to the future of publishing. May 27, 2:30 pm, Javits Center Room 1E11. 

Literature Film Screening and Authors' Q&A  (Various Locations)

Don't miss the screening of seven outstanding films directed by renowned Chinese directors adapted from books by contemporary Chinese novelists some of whom will appear after the film screening to take questions from the audience. This "mini Film Festival," will take place across three boroughs -- Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn, and includes the films: A Cherry on the Pomegranate Tree, Fly with a Crane, Back to 1942, The Stolen Years, I am a Genius, Blind Massage, and Under the Hawthorne Tree.

Barnes & Noble UWS Series (Barnes and Noble UWS - 2289 Broadway)

Decoded with Mai Jia

Mai Jia, China's foremost author of spy thrillers talks about the creation of his newest novel to be published in English: Decoded. Set in the 1930's during China's civil war, the story revolves around Rong Jinzhen, a semi-autistic math genius recruited by a top-secret government agency as a code-breaker. Mai discusses the balance between the demands of the genre, and the psychological exploration afforded by literary fiction. May 27, 7:00 pm.

Running Through Beijing and Beijing, Beijing

Don't miss this fascinating conversation between two of China's most exciting novelists: Feng Tang, whose novel, Beijing, Beijing, is about growing up in the city and being a local Beijinger, and Xu Zechen, whose Running Through Beijing, is about a young man who has come to the city to try to 'make his way in the world,' but distinctly feels like he doesn't belong. The conversation will be moderated by poet and translator Canaan Morse. May 29, 7:00 pm.

For more information about BEA and the various events please go to: http://www.bookexpoamerica.com/BEA-Conferences/Global-Market-Forum/Off-Site-Cultural-Events/

http://www.bowerypoetry.com/events/494-chinese-and-american-poetry-reading

http://www.centerforfiction.org/calendar/a-perfect-crime-with-john-freeman-and-a-yi

http://www.bklynlibrary.org/calendar/list/Chinese%20authors%20at%20BEA

ABOUT BEA

BookExpo America (BEA) is North America's largest gathering of book trade professionals attracting an international audience. The event is widely known as an ideal place for content creators, media, booksellers, rights professionals, and movie and television executives to meet new authors, discover new books, learn about trends shaping the book industry, and network with those who have a passion for books and reading. BEA is foremost a gathering place for creative writers and thinkiers and the commerce they create. It is recognized for the media attention it brings to upcoming books as well as for the notable authors it attracts to the convention itself.

BEA is organized with the support of association partners including the Association of American Publishers (AAP) and the American Booksellers Association (ABA).

CONTACT:
Brian Reinert
DKC
[email protected]
+1.212.981.5198

SOURCE BookExpo America (BEA)