Documentary on depression screened at Beijing festival

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A documentary spotlighting a painter suffering from depression is one of 37 Chinese and foreign films being shown at the 2017 Beijing Documentary Week now under way.

"Seven Kilometers" is about Hu Zi, a painter in Beijing suffering from severe depression and who had attempted suicide several times.

The film's director Rashi Dorj, who lives in the same community, decided to do something after learning about Hu's plight.

"I learned from the internet that extreme sports can help relieve depression," Rashi Dorj said. "So I asked Hu Zi if he wants to have a try. He and his wife said yes. Then I introduced him to my friend Gao Jinsong, who is a top off-road driver, to take Hu Zi to the Hooke Trail."

The Hooke Trail is an off-road vehicle climbing route in the Helan Mountains in northwest China.

Consisting of nothing but jagged rocks, the seven-kilometer trail was created for daring vehicle drivers like Gao.

Challengers risk car crashes and their lives along the mountainous and rocky terrain.

"At first Gao Jinsong refused the request because drivers are not allowed to take passengers while doing off-road vehicle climbing," Rashi Dorj said. "And it was also strongly opposed by his friends. However, given Hu Zi's situation, Gao finally decided to give it a go."

In the autumn of 2015, Gao and Hu Zi attempted the seven-kilometer trail. And Rashi Dorj documented both of them undertaking this deathly challenge shoulder to shoulder.

"There were accidents and dangerous moments but it was all worth it when Hu Zi told me the bumpy, risky experience nearly took ten years off his life. I was thrilled that he chose life over death and regained that passion for life. I’m so happy for him," said Rashi Dorj.

After the trip, Hu Zi's condition improved and he has since traveled to Yunnan Province to take photographs. His works are now on display at the Chaoyang Museum of Urban Planning, the venue for Beijing Documentary Week.

"Maybe this documentary cannot change the life of people with depression. But Hu Zi is a model for them. I hope his story can inspire more people to give it a try and find a new meaning for life," said Rashi Dorj.