A High Sky Summer

Colour, 35mm
China, 2002, 90 min
Section: Another View

Synopsis

The peace of summer life in a village in south-western China is disrupted by the arrival of a film crew which is seeking someone to play the lead in their film. Twelve-year-old Shouxian is excited by the goings-on and constantly hangs around the filmmakers. When he finds out that they’re looking for a boy just his age to play the lead he willingly does all he can to get the part. He even puts hot pepper in his eyes to cry more realistically during the audition, and this convinces them to cast him. But Shouxian’s teacher doesn’t allow him to act the role because he claims that Shouxian is incapable of reciting any text by heart. Moreover, Shouxian has failed several times in school and he may even have to repeat a year. Shouxian refuses to accept this verdict but, in spite of all his efforts, the film is not made. The experience, however, has helped Shouxian grow. The director commented on his film: “Peaceful observation is the style of this film. I was moved by the children and the teachers in this faraway village. They represent a natural existence, simple and sincere.”

About the director

Li Jixian (b. 1962, Shenyang, Liao Ning province, China) studied art and design at Beijing Film Academy in 1985-89, and was then for a time engaged shooting commercials. In 1999 he wrote the script for Lingering Face, and in 2001 he directed the independent production A High Sky Summer.