A film exploring the Sino-Japanese war from both sides of the conflict has been selected for this month's Bermuda International Film Festival (BIFF) film club's screening.

'Chen Bao' will be shown tonight at 7.30 p.m. in the Tradewinds Auditorium of the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute.

According to a film club press release, 'Chen Bao' is a joint Chinese/Japanese production which tells the story of the invaded Chinese and the injuries they suffered as well as the parallel tale of self hate experienced by one of the Japanese invading soldiers.

The film opened simultaneously in China and Japan and its director Shinichi Nakada was originally concerned about how the Chinese would react to the film about the conflict.

"I could not imagine how the Chinese would react to this story about the Sino-Japanese war but it appears the reaction was favourable," said the director.

"I think of the film as a progressive venture, marking the 50th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Sino-Japanese Friendship Treaty."

Film nights co-ordinator Tony Fernandes said the film's message in poignant in these troubled times. "To watch 'Chen Bao' is to suspend one's deep seated beliefs about warfare, as the friendship between Aizawa - the friendly rookie soldier - and the young Chinese brother and sister who follow him around despite his reproaches unfolds on the screen," he said.

"We are delighted to be able to screen a film that is such a poignant tale of guilt and anti-war sentiments."

The 15-minute short film 'Threesome' will be shown before 'Chen Bao'.

'Threesome', a British film by director Adam Ganz, has been screened at film festivals in Telluride, Newport and London.

Tickets to the film club screenings are $5 for members and $8 for non-members.

Tickets can be reserved by e-mailing bdafilmibl.bm.

They can be purchased from 6.30 p.m. on the night of the screening.

A three-course dinner is also available from La Coquille on the night of the screening between 5.30 and 6.45 p.m. for $29.75 per person plus grats.

Reservations should be made one day in advance by calling 292-6122 or e-mailing sergecoquille.bm.