With his family saga "So Long, My Son" winning acting awards at last year's Berlin International Film Festival, Chinese director Wang Xiaoshuai shared his experiences and discussed his filmmaking perspective with CGTN Digital at the third Hainan Island International Film Festival. 

Family and homeland have always been key concepts in Wang's film productions through the years, from his directorial debut "The Days" to the most recent epic drama "So Long, My Son" – the first in his promised "Homeland Trilogy."

Wang's eye for detail shines when telling the stories of ordinary people enduring ups and downs in their lives.

In his opinion, the current Chinese generation has experienced a conceptual change. "That's why we can turn the camera around and focus it on ourselves," he said.

2020 has been a tough year and witnessed many challenges in the film industry, both at home and abroad. As a result, there are many film projects piled up. 

Productions about the fight against COVID-19 have been released; however, Wang believes it takes time to fully reflect on our observations and reactions to such a tumultuous year through film.

Wang said there is an increasing need for closer cinematic connection and communication between China and the other countries.

When asked how young Chinese filmmakers can make their mark on the world stage, Wang said if they can freely express their viewpoints, values, experiences and lives, and are able to make high-quality films, they will gain recognition outside China. 

"Chinese movies have been recognized by overseas audiences in recent years," Wang said, "sometimes widely appreciated, sometimes less, but it has never stopped."

Wang's "Homeland Trilogy" is to be continued, as well as more stories reflecting on the changing times and the experiences of families in modern China.

(Cover image by Zhang Zhijie)