Documentary Film Explores China’s Emerging Rock Music Scene

Converse announces the world premiere of “Love Noise” at the Hawaii International Film Festival in Honolulu October 14-24, 2010. “Love Noise” is a documentary film that showcases the uncorrupt and original music scene that is taking root throughout China.

“Love Noise,” directed by Beijing filmmaker Liu Feng (Hammer), is both a journey and a destination that pays tribute to the quintessential rock odyssey of China. The film documents bands P.K.14 and Queen Sea Big Shark as they travel through China’s emerging music scene, and reveals their personal journeys in a changing culture where art forms like rock and roll have a relatively recent history. The bands cross China with all the accompanying noise, unpredictability, and music that true originals bring to the stage.

For the film, Converse brought P.K.14 and Queen Sea Big Shark together as they traveled by bus for two weeks, traveling over 5,768 kilometers throughout five of China’s musically diverse cities, as well as some of the most remote areas where residents had never seen, or in some cases even heard, a rock band.

“We’re thrilled to be premiering ‘Love Noise’ at the Hawaii International Film Festival,” said Feng. “This was one of the most challenging and fulfilling documentaries I’ve ever filmed. The bands were wonderful to work with, and seeing the response and reactions to the sounds from both fans and first time listeners was a thrill. I didn’t know much about rock music before filming–now I realize there’s a piece of rock in all of us; we’re all just out here loving noise.”

“Love Noise” began filming in Beijing before hitting five major cities and concluded back in Beijing where PK14 and Queen Sea Big Shark were joined by all of the tour city bands for a final two-days of performances and a tribute to the music they love. Additionally, Converse put on free concerts for fans with a never-before-seen marquee lineup of seven punk and indie rock bands. In a society where many view rock music as “noise,” the purpose of “Love Noise” was to uncover the passion of the bands spotlighted through a documentary and in their own words.

“Converse has always been an advocate and catalyst for creativity and a brand deeply rooted in music,” said Geoff Cottrill, Chief Marketing Officer of Converse. “This documentary was a labor of love as we explored the original and growing rock culture of China by bringing together bands, fans and unsuspecting citizens in a way that has never been done before in China. We were inspired and moved by these brave, talented musicians and were excited to give them a platform to do what they love. Converse is proud to celebrate the voice and noise of a new generation with the launch of this campaign.”

Source: MI2N