Film+MusikFest: Richard Eichberg: Großstadtschmetterling

Film+MusikFest presents Richard Eichberg’s monumental adaptation of Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly,” retitled Großstadtschmetterling (“Big City Butterfly”). In this dazzling concert film, the Chinese dancer Mah—who has carved a niche among Parisian bohemians—finds herself falsely accused of murder and theft. With her reputation hanging in the balance, she must fend off accusations and overcome obstacles in a stirring love story that pits an Asian woman against a European man, all while confronting prejudice, discrimination, and arrogance. The harrowing finale is delivered in Anna May Wong’s powerful performance as the dancer, whose final line—“I don't belong with you”—resonates with poignancy. Wong, once confined to “China Doll” roles in Hollywood, now enjoys greater freedom in European cinema, yet still battles ethnic clichés—now portraying characters who do not necessarily meet tragic ends. Experience this brilliant convergence of film and music. Details & tickets.