This year's Time-Based Art (TBA) programs feature intriguing new work by artists who come to film from backgrounds in the visual and performing arts. Co-presented by the Portland Institute for Contemporary Art (PICA), Cinema Project, and the Film Center. For TBA programs other than film, go to www.pica.org.

Last year we presented the first edition of THE FESTIVAL OF NEW SPANISH CINEMA, a rich showcase confirming that new talent is at work in Spain, continuing a legacy that extends from the classic work of Luis Buñuel to contemporary greats such as Pedro Almodóvar and Alejandro Amenábar. This year’s new program testifies to the strength and diversity of work by Spanish directors and includes many of the most internationally acclaimed films of the last two years. Preceding each feature, the Film Center will show mock movie trailers and "ShortMetrage," a special online presentation of Spanish shorts. For all this and movie trailers, visit www.pragda.com.

Organized by Pragda, Barcelona, and curated by Marta Sánchez, the program is made possible by the support of Dirección General de Política e Industrias Culturales of the Spanish Ministry of Culture, Tourist Office of Spain, and Embassy of Spain, Washington, DC. Additional support comes from Dirección General de Relaciones Culturales y Científicas, Filmoteca, AECI, and the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation. Special thanks to teaserland.com.

While cinema can provide entertainment and escape, for many committed filmmakers and viewers it is a vital medium of information and a powerful tool for social action. Tackling wide-ranging, thought-provoking issues, activist filmmakers help deepen our awareness of the values of dignity, equality, and justice, as they tell universal stories of struggle and triumph. We hope that the works presented here will broaden understanding and stimulate involvement as they reveal the commitment and courage of those whose hearts and minds are focused on the many challenges confronting humanity. Special thanks to media sponsor KBOO Radio.

Since the end of the Cultural Revolution in 1976, China has undergone a series of profound, ever-accelerating transformations spurred by experiments with a market economy and a more open approach to foreign investment and external cultures. In the last decade the consequences of these changes have dramatically impacted China and its place in the world. What have these dynamic developments meant for its 1.3 billion citizens? There are, of course, almost as many stories to tell. For millions there have been astounding opportunities. For millions of others, the more things change, the more they stay the same. Concurrent with the Portland Art Museum’s CHINA DESIGN NOW exhibition, the Northwest Film Center explores the perspectives of Chinese and western filmmakers whose works reflect on the broad currents of contemporary change in Chinese society. As China’s past and future collide, the works by these media artists provide unique insight into the social and aesthetic confusions, obstacles, and opportunities being navigated in the interstices between history, daily reality, and the future’s promises.

The Museum is open before each of the screenings, and the films are free with an exhibition admission ticket. Film-only admission at regular prices.

LENS ON CHINA continues in November and December.