The 11th edition of the Summer Chinese Film Festival, consisting of a series of films screened in the open air in various towns in Malta and Gozo, starts today.

This year’s edition of the festival, which runs until August 27, is being organised by the China Cultural Centre in Malta in collaboration with the local councils of Birżebbuġa, Santa Luċija and Qrendi, and the Gozo Ministry’s Culture Unit.

A scene from the film.

The first film – Good Bye Mr Loser, a 104-minute comedy certified 12A – will be screened today at 8.30pm at Pretty Bay Garden, Birżeb­buġa. The plot centres on Xiao Luo, who goes to the wedding of Qiu Ya, the prettiest girl at university  and the target of his secret affections. When he comes face to face with his old classmates, now successful professionals, he finds he’s the only loser. Feeling bitter, he creates a massive scene at the wedding.

He then falls asleep in the restroom and dreams he is back in high school taking revenge on bullying teachers, getting the girl of his dreams and becoming a rock star. Immersed in this incredibly successful life, his heart swells but he also discovers that the innocence and joy he once had is now lost.

Good Bye Mr Loser will be screened today at 8.30pm at Pretty Bay Garden, Birżebbuġa. The 104-minute comedy is in Chinese (Mandarin) with English subtitles and is certified 12A. Admission is free, but seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, call the Birżebbuġa local council on 2165 0165/2165 0444, or visit www.facebook.com/cccmalta.