Chongqing - In Pengshui Miao-Tujia Autonomous County, Southwest China's Chongqing, He Xiaobo, a 52-year-old projectionist, shares his remarkable journey of delivering movies across the Wujiang River. Previously using small rowing boats, he now benefits from upgraded transportation options and modern equipment. This change has allowed him to traverse the distance more swiftly and reach more destinations.

He Xiaobo, a 52-year-old projectionist, possesses the skills to operate projectors and change film reels from a young age. (Photo/Liu Li)

From water to land

Born in 1971, He began assisting his father in screening movies in various villages and towns during his sixth grade. He possessed the skills to operate projectors and change film reels from a young age. Later in life, he became a projectionist for community-oriented projects, marking the start of his journey across the river.

Compared to today's sleek digital projectors, those earlier film projectors were bulky, requiring more time and physical exertion to transport. Yet, this was just the beginning of He's challenging expedition.

Upgraded transportation options and modern equipment allow He Xiaobo to traverse the distance more swiftly and reach more destinations. (Photo/Liu Li)

Navigating the river on small rowing boats, even for someone accustomed to water like He, was a nerve-racking experience. He confessed, "I could handle falling into the water, but I was mainly worried about the projector. Nowadays, transportation conditions have improved, with larger and more stable boats. Just turn on the engine, and you're good to go." 

It wasn't just the boats that had undergone upgrades. With the advent of highways, He now favored land routes. He explained, "In the past, crossing by boat seemed faster, but today's roads are more convenient. Although the journey may appear longer, it takes less time." After loading the equipment onto a tricycle, he set off, reaching the screening point within 15 minutes.

Thanks to these improved transportation options, the projectionist has brought movies to more remote locations. He is responsible for 24 rural villages, eight communities in three towns, and seven schools dedicated to people's film screenings. "The equipment is lighter now, and the roads are smoother, making it much more convenient," he noted while jotting down screening schedules.

Beyond physical distances

In the past, villages lacked electricity, forcing residents to retire early after sunset. Movies were their windows to the world. He initially had to bring a generator to power these screenings. Although every household now has electricity and TVs, the love for movies remains a cultural tradition. "Some villages actively organize movie nights. Even after the official screening ends, villagers continue to arrive," he shared.

He Xiaobo expresses his heart is content because each time he projects a movie, he bridges the gap between people's hearts. (Photo/Liu Li)

He himself enjoys watching movies. Before every screening, he watches the film to assess its suitability for the audience. Upon arriving at a screening point, he asks attendees for their preferences. Recently, he noticed an increasing interest in educational films. "Previously, war movies were popular for their excitement, but now, more people prefer science documentaries to gain new knowledge."

As he loaded the projection equipment onto his motorcycle, He prepared for his next destination. He expressed joy each time he screened a movie, saying, "The more people watch, the more I want to show them. No matter the distance, my heart is content because I'm bridging the gap between people's hearts."