LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATORY FREE SCREENING ESCAPE FROM THE 21ST CENTURY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATORY FREE SCREENING
ESCAPE FROM THE 21ST CENTURY
從21世紀安全撤離
February 21 at Chicago Cultural Center
CHICAGO, IL – (February 4, 2026) Asian Pop-Up Cinema (APUC) proudly presents a free Lunar New Year screening of the wildly imaginative Chinese hit ESCAPE FROM THE 21ST CENTURY (從21世紀安全撤離). One of China’s most talked-about genre films of 2024, the film became a breakout favorite for its bold storytelling, high-energy humor, and inventive blend of sci-fi, comedy, and action.
Celebrating the Year of the Fire Horse, the screening will take place Saturday, February 21 at 11:00am in the Claudia Cassidy Theater at the Chicago Cultural Center (78 E. Washington St.). For the film trailer and event details, click HERE.
In Asian culture, the Year of the Fire Horse represents strength, energy, and a desire to break free from limitations, often leading to significant social or personal shifts. It also emphasizes managing high-energy levels, reducing stress, and nurturing the heart and nervous system.
Perfectly aligned with these themes, ESCAPE FROM THE 21ST CENTURY delivers a kinetic, youth-driven adventure. When three teenagers discover they can time-travel with a single sneeze, they uncover a dire future awaiting the world. Racing against destiny, the trio must harness their unpredictable powers to rewrite fate. The result is a comic-book-style thrill ride, bursting with martial-arts energy, pop-culture flair, and emotional heart.
Directed by: Yang Li
China | Comedy / Sci-Fi | 2024 | 98 minutes
In Mandarin with Chinese & English subtitles
Starring: Zhang Ruoyun, Zhong Chuxi, Song Yang
ESCAPE FROM THE 21ST CENTURY will screen at 11:00am on Saturday, February 21. Doors open at 10:30am. Admission is free; RSVP is required.
The Lunar New Year Film Screening is co-presented with the Chicago Film Office of DCASE and supported by the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Chicago.
ABOUT SOPHIA’S CHOICE / ASIAN POP-UP CINEMA
Chicago Asian Pop-Up Cinema, an annual Asian Film Festival, is the brainchild of Sophia Wong Boccio, founder of Sophia’s Choice, a Chicago-based 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization incorporated in 2015. Its mission is to cultivate interest in and understanding of Asian cultures through a diverse slate of Asian films; connect the Asian film industry with Chicago film professionals, educators, and students; and promote Chicago as a destination for international visitors.
For more information, visit asianpopupcinema.org
Connect with Asian Pop-Up Cinema:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asianpopupcinema
X: @asianpopupcine
Instagram: @asianpopupcinema
Vimeo: vimeo.com/asianpopupcinema
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Media contact: Danielle Garnier | Garnier Public Relations
312-841-3500 | dgarnier@garnierpr.com