FILM LIBRARY UPDATE (05/23/23)

Due to a recent system update, the online catalog to our film library is no longer accessible. While we are fixing the issue, you can use the search function on this online spreadsheet of our collection. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience while we work on updating the online catalog to a more user-friendly experience.

This update only affects the online search capability of our catalog. The CEAS Film Library is still open for physical browsing and borrowing by appointment. Please email Myra Su msu@uchicago.edu at least 2 business days in advance to schedule an appointment. The Film Library is located at 1155 E. 60th Street, Room 309, Chicago, IL 60637.


About the Library

The CEAS Film Library is one of the largest East Asian DVD collections in the United States, comprising over 7,000 titles from China, Japan, and Korea. It includes historical films, documentaries, television series, and contemporary cinema. Many of the films are imported from overseas and are difficult to find in the U.S. Films are available for check-out free of charge to any current University of Chicago student, staff, or faculty member. CEAS Associate Members, K-16 educators, and the general public may also borrow films for educational use.

Location: 1155 E. 60th Street, Room #309 Chicago, IL 60637 (Take elevators marked 2S or 2E to the 3rd floor)

Borrowing Policies

  • Film rental is FREE and is as easy as coming and signing up. Any current University of Chicago faculty, student, staff, or CEAS Associates may borrow films.
  • Borrowers will be held responsible for replacing lost or damaged films.
  • Films are due back one week from the date they are borrowed.
  • Films are for viewing only and are not to be copied.
  • Only two films may be borrowed at one time. Exceptions for course-related viewing should be arranged in advance with the Coordinator.
  • Use of the film library implies agreement to all above conditions.

New Films

The most recent CEAS Library acquisitions include: Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (South Korea, 2021), The Mountain Path: My Search for a Zen Hermit Master in China (China, 2021), Pushed Up the Mountain (China/Scotland, 2020), Gaman...To Endure (United States/Japan, 1982), Resistance at Tule Lake (United States/Japan, 2017), and SHIBARAKU: Wait a Moment! / UIRO URI: The Medicine Peddler (Japan, 2003 / 2006).

We encourage faculty and students to submit requests for new films that would be a good addition to our collection. For any film related questions, please contact Myra Su at msu@uchicago.edu.

Region Codes and DVD Playback

CEAS does not guarantee that films borrowed from the Film Library will be viewable on your player. Because many of the DVDs in the CEAS film library originate overseas, viewers may encounter regional code differences that affect playback. Region 1 DVD players from the United States will often not play Region 2 and 3 DVDs from overseas. Many desktop computers and laptops only allow a region change five times before locking. The free, legal video player VLC is a downloadable alternative that bypasses region issues. More information about DVD region codes.