Scenes in China

Directed by Auguste François

This remarkable record of Kunming, regional capital of Yunnan Province, southwest China, was shot by French consul and hobbyist filmmaker Auguste François in the dying years of the Qing dynasty. The five astonishing, intimate scenes show a bustling market by the city wall, a rabble of Miao soldiers training, a wealthy couple dining, lounging opium smokers and an opera performed at a private party.