"This donation has greatly enhanced our already strong East Asian film collection, which currently includes Korean, Tibetan, Chinese, and Japanese archival films," said Jim Cheng, director of the C.V. Starr East Asian Library. "I anticipate scholars from Columbia University and across New York City will benefit deeply from the expansion of our collection."

The donation will provide extensive resources for the study of Chinese film history, a rapidly growing field of cultural research. "Since its discovery by the West in the Eighties, Chinese film history has been one of the most remarkable and most active areas for film and cultural scholars," said Richard Pena, Columbia University Professor of Film Studies and Program Director for the Film Society of Lincoln Center.

Jane Gaines, Professor of Film Studies in the School of the Arts, added "This gift will put Columbia on the map as the place to do research on contemporary Chinese cinema,” further enhancing the Starr East Asian Library's reputation as a leading library in support of East Asian studies. 

Since its inception in 1994, Beauty Media, Inc. has been focused on the distribution of audio and video products specific to Chinese culture. "I am very honored that our products are now housed at Columbia University, where many famous Chinese historical figures received their education," Li Yan, CEO and President of Beauty Media Inc., said. "I believe many students and scholars from Columbia, and the world, will learn and understand Chinese history, culture, and China through these films. I am grateful."

The DVD collection will be housed in Butler Library. Select titles are currently available for viewing in the Media Center.