Archive of films Shaft / Dixia de Tiankong

China
2008, 98 min

Section: Official Selection - Competition
Year: 2008

This subtle celebration of life traces the lives of a family of three living in a mining town in western China. Instead of seeking a platform for flagrant social criticism, the film portrays Chinese reality without embellishment and elevates its study of the cycle of life to a universal, timeless level.


Synopsis

In three interrelated parts, the film progressively focuses on individual members of a family living in a mining town in western China. The episodes follow on from one another chronologically, although they do not simply trace the continual development of a single family. In the symbolic way their lives are bound together, the protagonists – namely, the daughter who has to choose between her dreams and a suitable marriage, the son who is about to start life down the mine, and the father who has just retired – represent the universal lot of men and women from mining towns, which stands in stark contrast to their aspirations. The film does not seek to severely criticise the given situation, nor are the environment and heroes portrayed for effect; on the contrary, they seem natural, displaying a sense of immediacy, and are consistent with the perception of ordinary Chinese people, who, by their own admission, are not ones to complain. In its subtle presentation and treatment, the film becomes a delicate celebration of ordinary life, without seeming critical or conciliatory, and is thus all the more authentic and eloquent.

About the director

Chi Zhang

Zhang Chi (b. 1977, Peking) studied film direction at the Central Academy of Drama and then worked as director of the Chinese national television company CCTV from 2000 to 2004. He then focused on film direction and screenwriting. Last year he added to his professional accolades when he won the Chinese annual prize for Best Screenplay for the film Tokyo Trial (Dobgjing shenpan, 2006), which he shared with three other screenwriters. The Shaft is his directorial debut on the international festival circuit.

Contacts

China Film Association
22 Bei-San-Huan-Dong-Lu, 100013, Beijing
China
Tel: +86 135 816 221 29
Fax: +86108 585 92 84
E-mail: [email protected]

About the film

Color, 35 mm
World premiere

Section: Official Selection - Competition
   
Director: Chi Zhang
Screenplay: Zhang Chi
Dir. of Photography: Liu Shumin
Music: Guo Sida
Editor: Chen Yong
Producer: Kang Jianmin, Hu Guipu
Production: China Film Association
Cast: Luo Deyuan, Huang Xuan, Zheng Luoqian, Li Chen
Contact: China Film Association

Guests

Chi Zhang

Film Director

Wang Li

Actress


Zheng Luoqian

Actress

Hu Guipu

Producer


Qian Ying

YouTube

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