M-Appeal Boards Huo Meng’s Berlinale Competition Title ‘Living the Land’ (EXCLUSIVE)

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In Berlin, M-Appeal, a sales representative, has been tasked with managing international distribution for “Living the Land,” the second movie by Chinese director Huo Meng. This movie will have its world debut in the Berlinale Competition within the next month. The film is an expansive family saga that chronicles the lives of four generations across a span of one year.

1991 finds China in the midst of extensive social and economic transformations, causing numerous individuals to abandon their rural homes for urban job opportunities. Despite this, 10-year-old Chuang, the third child in his family, is unable to join them due to family arrangements. Amidst the backdrop of modernization, as technology’s emergence alters their traditional lifestyle, the recurring events of births, marriages, and funerals underscore the burden of tradition and the struggle to harmonize familial duties with a swiftly evolving world.

In 2018, Huo Meng’s first full-length movie titled “Crossing the Border — Zhaoguan” was honored with the Pingyao International Film Festival Fei Mu Award for exceptional directing. This recognition came from director Jia Zhangke, and the film was later showcased at the 2020 Berlinale in the special program “On Transmission”. This screening marked the 70th anniversary of the prestigious festival.

The show titled ‘Living the Land’ is overseen by executive producer Yao Chen, a renowned Chinese actress and producer, while Zhang Fan takes on the role of producer. The production is a collaborative effort between Floating Light Film and Culture, Shanghai Film Group, Phoenix Legend Films, Bad Rabbit Pictures, and Lianray Pictures.

Maren Kroymann, the managing director of M-Appeal, remarked that Huo Meng’s film, with its breathtaking visuals, powerful acting, and carefully constructed sequences, provides a deeply engaging and emotionally rich cinematic journey. This work showcases Huo Meng’s abilities to unprecedented heights.

The entire year served as the duration for filming, mirroring the seasonal shifts that were integral to the plotline.

In Berlin, M-Appeal will also showcase “Dreams (Sex, Love)” by Dag Johan Haugerud, which is competing at the Berlinale, and “Night Stage” by Filipe Matzembacher and Marcio Reolon, which will debut in the Berlinale’s Panorama section.

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2025-01-22 18:46