Chongqing Documentary “A Long Way Home” Premieres at Pingyao International Film Festival

Chongqing—The 9th Pingyao International Film Festival (PYIFF) commenced on September 24 at the Pingyao Film Palace. The Chongqing-produced documentary "A Long Way Home(劳途归巢)" was among the selections in its prestigious "Hidden Dragons" competition section. The film's director Zheng Xusong, producers Wang Chu and Dong Aihui, and cinematographer Nie Zhao made a notable appearance on the opening red carpet, witnessed by media and film enthusiasts from across the country.

Organized since 2017, PYIFF is the fifth state-approved international film festival in China. Under this year's theme, "Meeting Point," the festival, running until September 30, is showcasing 54 films from 25 countries and regions. Notably, 30% of the selections are global premieres, 65% are Asian premieres, and 100% are making their Chinese debut.

The "Hidden Dragons" category is dedicated to spotlighting debut or second features by Chinese-language directors. Among the 11 films selected this year is "A Long Way Home," directed by Chongqing-native Zheng Xusong and shot entirely in Chongqing. Another film by a Chongqing director, Li Dongmei's "The Fruit (果然)", also joins the lineup.

"A Long Way Home" is a truly local production, directed by Zheng Xusong, who hails from Jiangjin District, and produced by Chongqing filmmaker Wang Chu. The documentary was three years in the making, intimately following Pan Zhaode, a young returnee to Henghe Village in Baisha Town, Jiangjin District. It paints a truthful portrait of how Pan navigates the fractures in his personal destiny amidst the backdrop of rapid regional development, ultimately finding his own path forward. The film highlights the resilience inherent in the people of Chongqing.

At a prior expert review session, the documentary was praised for its simplicity, objectivity, and warm realism. Experts commended its depiction of an ordinary individual facing life's twists and turns with unyielding optimism and perseverance without shying away from challenges. The production team has stated that they will refine the film based on the feedback received, aiming to create a work with profound meaning and broad appeal.

Director Zheng Xusong shared his inspiration, "I returned in 2021 to the small town where I attended high school 17 years earlier. Back then, it was untouched by industrialization. Now, it has its own industrial park, and more people are returning home to be with their families. This shift has quietly changed the lives and work of countless young people in townships. Pan Zhaode, with his steadfast and optimistic attitude, stood out to me. We spent three years documenting his life - how he always finds a way forward, no matter the obstacle. Through his down-to-earth, unpretentious, sincere, and resilient character, the film reveals how some of China's youth are confronting their own limitations and adapting to a changing environment."

The awards ceremony for the "Hidden Dragons" section is scheduled for September 29, and the film "A Long Way Home" is expected to be released later this year.