Berlin-based sales company M-Appeal will handle international sales for “Living the Land,” the second film from Chinese director Huo Meng, which will have its world premiere in competition at the Berlinale next month. The film is an epic family story that follows the lives of four generations over the course of one year.
The film’s events take place in 1991, as China is witnessing sweeping social and economic changes that push many to leave their rural villages in search of work in the cities. 10-year-old Zhuang, the third child in his family, must stay in the village because of his family. Plans. Against the backdrop of modernization, and with the advent of technology reshaping their traditional way of life, cycles of births, marriages and funerals reveal the weight of tradition and the pressures of balancing family responsibilities with a rapidly changing world.
Huo Meng’s 2018 debut film “Crossing the Border — Zhaoguan” won the Pingyao International Film Festival’s Fei Mu Award for Best Director. The film was selected by director Jia Zhangke, and was screened at the Berlinale 2020 in the special program “On Transmission”, on the occasion of the 70th edition of the festival.
“Living the Land” is executive produced by Yao Chen, a famous actress and producer in China, and produced by Zhang Fan. The production companies are Floating Light Film and Culture, Shanghai Film Group, Phoenix Legend Films, Bad Rabbit Pictures and Lianray Pictures.
“With stunning cinematography, poignant performances and intricately composed scenes, Huo Meng has created an immersive and emotionally layered cinematic experience. This film takes his talent to new heights,” said Maren Kroijman, Managing Director of M-Appeal.
The film was produced over the course of an entire calendar year, reflecting the natural changes of each season, which was central to the story.
In Berlin, M-Appeal will also represent Dag Johan Haugerud’s “Dreams (Sex, Love)”, which will be presented in competition at the Berlinale, and “Night Stage” by Felipe Matzembacher and Marcio Riolon, which will premiere in the Berlinale Panorama sidebar.