Inspiring Xinjiang film hits theaters in China

Adapted from an award-winning novel, a new film "Story of Cotton Field" highlighting decades of dedication from those who aided Xinjiang's development is due out in Chinese theaters from June 21.

Director Zhang Zhong expressed his pride during the film's premiere earlier this week, saying it was a great honor to direct a movie of such historical and cultural significance.  

He also disclosed that the filming spanned 70 days and multiple locations, including Qitai, Mulei, Aksu and some places outside Xinjiang such as Shanghai and Fujian since it began in September 2023. The film has been hailed as a benchmark project for interregional cultural collaboration.

The film tells a moving story of perseverance and cross-generational efforts to develop cotton cultivation in the Xinjiang region. Veteran actor Li Xuejian plays an older generation aid cadre, delivering a powerful and heartfelt performance that conveys the deep emotional connection of those who came to see Xinjiang as their second home.

From the first wave of pioneering cadres who rooted themselves in the region and opened up new frontiers, to the new generation of young people continuing the mission under China's rural revitalization strategy, the film, believed to capture a sweeping story of sacrifice and national solidarity, obtained a chance of screening along the sidelines of the 37th China Golden Rooster Awards ceremony in 2024.