Jia Zhangke works in filming "24 City" in an undated photo. [File Photo: mtime.com]

Here is a chance to enjoy a film while doing a good deed at the same time. Director Jia Zhangke is screening his latest work, "24 City," before its official theatrical release, and will donate all earnings to quake-hit Sichuan.

In a move which Jia Zhangke has named "A City Reborn," the director will bring his Cannes Golden Palm-nominated film to Shanghai, Guangzhou, Beijing and eventually to Sichuan's provincial capital Chengdu.

Tickets for the Shanghai screening Tuesday night were sold at 30 yuan (US$4.3), but movie-goers were encouraged to pay more if they wanted to.

Jia Zhangke told the Chengdu Shangbao newspaper that he would donate all the box office earnings to Red Cross Society of China, hoping the money could help with the reconstruction of Sichuan.

In Chengdu, the screening will be set at a housing development named 24 City. The site was previously occupied by a factory, which actually inspired Jia Zhangke's film.

Feeling a deep connection to Chengdu and Sichuan as a whole, Jia Zhangke led the observation of a minute of silence for the quake victims when "24 City" premiered at last month's Cannes Film Festival.

(CRI June 4, 2008)