Chongqing - Zhao Dailiang, 61 years old, emerges daily to project movies for his villagers, a calling he embraced at 21 and held for four decades, ardently championing the art of cinema.
Zhao Dailiang applied to become a projectionist at 21 and has held fast to this position for 40 years. (Photo/Liu Li)
While setting up his movie screenings requires a projector, stereo, screen, and a heart filled with dedication, Zhao's most indispensable companion is his crutches. A childhood bout with polio might have hobbled him, but it never swayed his resolve.
Hailing from a village in Chongqing's Fengjie County, Zhao's cinematic journey commenced with the unforgettable "Monkey King Beats the White Bone Demon" at age five. Despite polio's physical toll, his fascination with movies grew. He didn't merely watch films; the machinery behind them entranced him.
Zhao's aspiration crystallized—he wanted to be a projectionist. He approached an officer with courage who granted him a one-year probation despite concerns about his physical condition.
Zhao seized the chance, diligently fulfilling his duties, even enlisting help transporting the heavy equipment. He aced his probation and sustained his role for 40 years, driven by a steadfast commitment to punctually bringing movies to the villagers.
Even in an age of advanced projectors with minimal failures, one unwavering rule that Zhao adheres to is the meticulous surveillance of his machines, ensuring they run smoothly. (Photo provided to iChongqing and Bridging News)
To boost efficiency, he purchased a van; although he couldn't drive due to his disability, he hired a driver, a decision he deemed entirely worthwhile. During his career, Zhao earned recognition as one of the top 10 inspirational role models in the Touching Kuizhou Awards.
In the early days, his film camera frequently malfunctioned. Unfazed, he honed his repair skills, fixing watches, radios, and even the film camera. "Being homebound due to my disability gave me time to master machine repair," Zhao noted. He also repaired films during the day to ensure flawless nighttime screenings.
Zhao extended his services to the villagers, fixing their items for free and occasionally receiving financial support. He spoke fondly of their empathy and willingness to assist with arranging the equipment, motivating him to work harder.
One steadfast rule guided Zhao: vigilant machine monitoring. "I ensure the machines run smoothly or can be swiftly repaired," he emphasized. Even in the era of advanced projectors, Zhao remained committed, learning to fix digital models.
In a modest ground-floor flat, Zhao regularly contacts his children working outside their hometown. Beyond his role as a projectionist, he's an avid film enthusiast, discussing movies with his wife after work. "I contemplate how directors and actors achieve brilliance and share my thoughts," Zhao explained.
In addition to his role as a projectionist, Zhao is a dedicated film enthusiast, enthusiastically sharing the movie's content and his emotions with his wife after work. (Photo/Liu Li)
His passion for cinema also influenced his son and daughter. He often narrated educational aspects of films to guide their growth. "These are the people you should learn from," he told them.
Over time, Zhao's children excelled—his son became an armed police officer, and his daughter a teacher. They've become a source of immense pride. "Besides adding joy to my life, being a projectionist allowed me to shape my children's paths," Zhao mused.
Zhao Dailiang's life is a testament to resilience and passion, where a childhood disability didn't shackle his dreams but spurred him to illuminate the lives of others through the luminescent magic of cinema.
(Liu Yujing, as an intern, also contributed to this report.)