Living the Land
| Living the Land | |
|---|---|
Festival release poster | |
| Traditional Chinese | 生息之地 |
| Literal meaning | A place of life |
| Hanyu Pinyin | Sheng xi zhi di |
| Directed by | Huo Meng |
| Written by | Huo Meng |
| Produced by |
|
| Starring |
|
| Cinematography | Guo Daming |
| Edited by | Huo Meng |
| Music by | Wan Jianguo |
Production companies |
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| Distributed by | m-appeal |
Release dates |
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Running time | 132 minutes |
| Country | China |
| Language | Mandarin |
Living the Land (Chinese: 生息之地) is a 2025 Chinese drama film directed by Huo Meng. The film set in the 1990s, is about a 10-year-old boy who is confronted with both rural traditions and socio-economic change in his Chinese home village.[1]
The film had its world premiere at the main competition of the 75th Berlin International Film Festival,[2] on 14 February 2025, where it won the Silver Bear for Best Director.[3]
Synopsis
In 1991, Bawangtai village, China was lively with activity, holding cherished memories of its vibrant past. Xu Chuang, who stayed with his grandmother, witnessed the cycle of spring planting and autumn harvest, as well as various village events like weddings and funerals. However, as the trend of becoming migrant workers grew, the younger generation slowly departed for city life, subtly transforming the rural landscape.
Cast
- Wang Shang as Chuang
- Zhang Chuwen as Great Grannie
- Zhang Yanrong as Xiuying
- Zhang Caixia
- Cao Lingzhi
Release
Living the Land had its world premiere on 14 February 2025, as part of the 75th Berlin International Film Festival, in Competition.[4][5][6] On 10 October 2025, it will be showcased in Showcase section of 2025 Vancouver International Film Festival.[7] Later it competed in the 'Official Section' of the 70th Valladolid International Film Festival for Golden Spike.[8] It will be presented in 'Rising Stars - 2025' section of the 56th International Film Festival of India in November 2025.[9]
The film will be released in China in 2025.[10]
In January 2025, the Berlin-based M-Appeal acquired the marketing rights of the film.[1]
Reception
On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 100% of 10 critics' reviews are positive.[11]
Accolades
| Award | Date of ceremony | Category | Recipient | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berlin International Film Festival | 23 February 2025 | Golden Bear | Living the Land | Nominated | [12] |
| Silver Bear for Best Director | Huo Meng | Won | [13] | ||
| Valladolid International Film Festival | 1 November 2025 | Golden Spike | Living the Land | Nominated | [14] |
References
- ^ a b Leo Barraclough (22 January 2025). "M-Appeal Boards Huo Meng's Berlinale Competition Title 'Living the Land' (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 26 January 2025.
- ^ Rosser, Michael (21 January 2025). "Berlin film festival reveals 2025 competition line-up 2025". ScreenDaily. Retrieved 14 February 2025.
- ^ Ntim, Zac (22 February 2025). "Berlin Film Festival: Norwegian Film 'Dreams (Sex Love)' Wins Golden Bear, Andrew Scott & Rose Byrne Take Acting Honors — Full List". Deadline. Retrieved 22 February 2025.
- ^ Davide Abbatescianni (21 January 2025). "The Berlinale unveils the titles playing in its Competition and its Perspectives and Berlinale Special strands". Cineuropa. Retrieved 26 January 2025.
- ^ Ntim, Zac (21 January 2025). "Berlin Film Festival Lineup: Richard Linklater, Jessica Chastain, A$AP Rocky & Marion Cotillard Movies Among Vibrant Selection". Deadline. Retrieved 26 January 2025.
- ^ "Living the Land". Berlinale. 4 February 2025. Retrieved 4 February 2025.
- ^ "Showcase". Vancouver International Film Festival. 27 August 2025. Retrieved 28 August 2025.
- ^ "Living the Land". Valladolid International Film Festival. Retrieved 11 September 2025.
- ^ "Rising Stars - 2025". International Film Festival of India. 7 November 2025. Retrieved 8 November 2025.
- ^ "生息之地" [Living the Land]. Douban (in Chinese). 12 September 2024. Retrieved 26 January 2025.
- ^ "Living the Land". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved 15 June 2025.
- ^ Scott Roxborough (21 January 2025). "Berlin Film Festival Lineup: Movies From Richard Linklater, Michel Franco, Hang Song-Soo in Competition (Full List)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 26 January 2025.
- ^ Scott Roxborough (22 February 2025). "Norwegian Queer Love Story 'Dreams' Wins 75th Berlin Film Festival (Full Winners List)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 23 February 2025.
- ^ "Official Section". Valladolid International Film Festival. Retrieved 11 September 2025.
External links
- Living the Land at IMDb
- Living the Land at Rotten Tomatoes
- Living the Land at Berlinale
- Living the Land at m-appeal