Chinatown Cha-Cha

The Confucius Institute is organising its monthly Chinese Cinema Cycle in the Cercle Cité. This is a unique opportunity to discover Chinese films and documentaries (with English subtitles). The Confucius Institute works with the Allers-Retours Association to select the films. Come along on Wednesday 20 May 2026 from 17:30 (start at 18:00) for the screening of the film “Chinatown Cha-Cha” (English subtitles).
Venue: Cercle Cité, 2 rue Genistre, Luxembourg Ville (Henri Beck Auditorium – 5th floor)
Free and open to all, registration required: confucius@uni.lu or (+352) 4666444964

L’Institut Confucius organise son Cycle Cinéma Chinois mensuel au Cercle Cité. Une occasion unique de découvrir des films et documentaires chinois (sous-titres en anglais). Pour la sélection des films, l’Institut Confucius travaille avec l’association Allers-Retours. Rendez-vous le mercredi 20 mai 2026 à partir de 17h30 (début de la séance à 18h) pour la projection du film “Chinatown Cha-Cha” (sous-titres en anglais).
Lieu : Cercle Cité, 2 rue Genistre, Luxembourg Ville (Auditorium Henri Beck – 5ème étage)
Gratuit et ouvert à tous, inscription obligatoire : confucius@uni.lu ou (+352) 4666444964

Chinatown Cha-Cha - 女人世界
A film by Luka Yuanyuan Yang

2023 | Country of production: China | 85 min | Documentary

At the remarkable age of 92, Coby Yee, a former starlet and owner of the illustrious "Forbidden City Nightclub" reclaimed her place in the spotlight with the senior dance troupe, Grant Avenue Follies.

Led by Cynthia Yee, the ensemble brings to life the luminous nightclub era of San Francisco's Chinatown, simultaneously shattering the conventional image of aging Asian women. Their transnational tour across the US, Cuba, and China unfurls an exploration of diasporic Chinese entertainment and a profound understanding of their own Chinese American identities. In Havana, their co-performance with local Chinese Opera singers sparked a vibrant renaissance in the city's dwindling Chinese community.

An emotive journey back to her father's homeland in China gave Coby a chance to reflect on familial memories and observe the startling transformation of urban landscapes.

The film stands as a poignant chronicle of Coby's final journey before her passing at 93, preserving her indomitable spirit. Meanwhile, the Grant Avenue Follies dance on, carrying the torch of their shared heritage.