Documentary about prominent 20th-century Chinese authors hits theatres this weekend

Jia Zhangke, one of China’s most acclaimed directors, recently premiered his new documentary film, "Swimming Out Till the Sea Turns Blue," in Beijing.

Jia Zhangke, veteran director, poses on the set of his new movie "Swimming out Till the Sea Turns Blue," which is scheduled to hit theatres September 19, 2021.[Photo provided to China Plus]

The film presents an intimate portrait of three seminal Chinese writers born in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, each of whom narrates their own story, revealing how they navigated life's hardships to become prominent literary figures.

After attending a premiere in Wuhan earlier this week, some moviegoers of the 2000s generation lauded the director for bringing these historical stories of Chinese society to light.

“Though I’m quite interested in the stories by writer Yu Hua and Liang Hong, the times they once lived in are quite unfamiliar to me," explained one attendee. "Peers of my generation may clearly feel the distance from that age, so it is movies like this that may take me back to that age, knowing the essence and lifestyle of the then-Chinese society.”

Renowned author Yu Hua in the film "Swimming out Till the Sea Turns Blue," scheduled to hit theatres on September 19, 2021. [Photo provided to China Plus]

In addition to featuring interviews with the three acclaimed writers – Jia Pingwa, Yu Hua and Liang Hong – Duan Huifang, daughter of late Chinese author Ma Feng recounted stories about her and her father, highlighting how social transformation in recent decades affected both individuals and the family unit.

"Swimming Out Till the Sea Turns Blue" will hit theatres on the Chinese mainland Sept. 19.

A still from the documentary film, "Swimming out Till the Sea Turns Blue," scheduled to hit theatres September 19, 2021.[Photo provided to China Plus]