Zhao Li is the manager of a small Sichuan Opera troupe, living and performing together in a rundown theatre located in the outskirts of Chengdu, China. When she receives the notice of demolition for the theatre, Zhao Li hides the news from everyone else, fearing that this could spell the end of her opera troupe: besides the physical demolition of their space, it’s the life of her “family” that is at stake. As she struggles to search for a new theatre for them to both sing and live in, the opera and its fantastic characters slowly begin to seep into her real world…
Director: Johnny Ma
Written by: Johnny Ma
Language: Chinese
Shooting : Autumn and winter 2018 – China
Cast : Zhao Xiaoli, Gan Guidan, Yan Xihu
Producers:
Image X (China)
House on Fire (France)
International Sales: Films Boutique
Distributor (France): Epicentre Films
With the support of:
CNC – Aide aux Cinémas du Monde
HBF+Europe: Minority Co-production Support
Selections and awards:
Cannes 2019 – Director’s Fortnight