Overview
Genre: Documentary Feature
Running Time: 121minutes
Director/Writer/Narrator: CUI Autumn Ziqiu
Year of Production: 2023
Country of Origin: China
Shooting Format: 4k, 16/9, 24fps, Stereo
Languages: English, Chinese, Tibetan
Subtitles: English, Chinese (optional)
Film Locations: China, United Kingdom
Contact:
Labour of Love Productions
E-mail: 3329ady@gmail.com
SHORT SYNOPSIS
A young filmmaker Autumn sets out on a trip with an idea for a short documentary on education that takes her from London to Tibet, alone. Filming her friend Qian, who was a volunteer teacher in Lhasa, then staying at a Tibetan student, Tsezin’s home deep in the Tibetan grasslands far from the conveniences of the city life she’d always known. Autumn began learning how to simply survive in an alien world at 4500 meters (15,000 ft.) - the hazardous lack of oxygen, the sudden and potentially deadly turns of weather, this mixed with Tsezin’s unexpected exam results and her own complicated emotions triggered by cultural differences and physical discomfort…
Unexpected events along the way cause an overhaul of the meanings behind the values and beliefs that echo within her. She embraced a sense of peace and joy that came along with the discovery of the harsh but gentle simplicity of the grasslands and the sincerity of human relationships.
The short evolved into a feature documentary, shot over three years on location in Lhasa and in the remote grasslands of Tibet. As she watched things unfold naturally, she saw how all things are connected, what comes with it is a continual peacefulness and joy.
FULL SYNOPSIS
“What can filmmakers do for kids with little to no access to schools or teachers?” This question, asked in a London film workshop......
DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT
I had no detailed plan when I started shooting in Tibet in 2019. For me, it was a chance that came about at an opportune time with a rare opportunity to film an attractive culture in an interesting place.
I simply felt I had to go.
I went back to shoot again over the next two years. Then spent the following year editing the footage and writing a script.
This film started with my personal questions about education and my passion for filmmaking. With more shooting and editing, it grew into a larger concept that connects things I observe and emotions I feel.
It let me see clearly how profoundly all my experiences connected what I think and what I do.
To make this film, I needed to constantly balance the nuances within the cultures, represented by three languages, Chinese, English and Tibetan. It was a huge challenge to me; in the end it turned out to be a beautiful experience.
I'd like to share this film with people of various backgrounds in the hope it will bring about conversations that will lead to deeper communication.
崔子秋 Cui Autumn Ziqiu (director, writer, producer, DP & editor)
Born in 1996 in Kunming, Yunnan, China.
A documentary film director, experimental filmmaker, photographer and editor.
In Chinese, Ziqiu (子秋）means she was born in Autumn in the year of rat；
Autumn is the name she uses in the West.
Bsc in Ethnology from Minzu University of China.
MA in Documentary by Practice from Royal Holloway, University of London.
Her work experiments with visual presentations exploring such topics as education, ancient and ethnic cultures, and cross- subjects.
Filmography
2022 Ethereal Echoes, documentary feature, China, UK.
Director, Writer, Editor, Cinematographer
2021 Come What May, documentary feature, China.
Editor
2019 Filters, short experimental film, UK.
Director, Cinematographer, Editor
2018 Who is Mark, short documentary, UK
Director, Cinematographer, Editor,
2016 Above the Clouds, VR shorts, China.
Director, Cinematographer, Editor
AWARD
2017 Above the Clouds , bronze, VR Image Exhibition, Beijing Film Academy
LINKS：
Website: www.autumnziqiucui.com
Email：cuiautumnziqiu@gmail.com
Ins：CuiAutumnZiqiu
CREW'S BIO
PRODUCERS
CUI Autumn Ziqu, 1996 PRC.
David P Buckley, 1942 USA.
CAST
QIAN Jingxuan [Volunteer Teacher]
Born 1996 in Sichuan province, China. She graduated from Minzu University of China, holds BA and MA in Minority Language and Literature. She was a volunteer teacher in a High School in Lhasa between July 2018 and July 2019.
Sonam Tsezin [Tibetan girl]
Born 2000 in Nagqu, Tibet, China, presently, studying at a university in Hunan Province, China.
Dawa Tsring [Boy in Red]
Born 2018 in Nagqu, Tibet, China. Sonam Tsezin’s eldest sister’s youngest son.
Nyima Chodron [Kindergarten Girl]
Born 2015 in Nagqu, Tibet, China. Sonam Tsezin’s second brother’s third kid.
Chaungabau [High School Student rapper]
Born 2000 in Amdo, Tibet, China.
STILLS FROM THE FILM
PRODUCTION STILLS
