Looking China series: Grasslands

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Looking China is a short film series made by a group of young film directors from over 20 countries. They traveled to various places across China, making films and exploring Chinese culture with the help of students from local universities.

Nadan Pines directs and appears in Grasslands. /Looking China screenshot

Nadan Pines, director of the film “Grasslands”, comes from Tel Aviv University in Israel. As a youngster, he was so curious about the spirits of Mongolian culture that he traveled thousands of miles to the boundless rich grassland to explore its true essence.

Herdsmen live and die under their sky. /Looking China screenshot

The film is made up of nine chapters: You, History, Chase, Nomads, Home, Sand, Music, Change and Grasslands. Actor-director Pines explores Mongolian culture and the legend of Genghis Khan in the film.

Genghis Khan is believed to protect those who live in Mongolian grasslands. /Looking China screenshot

Genghis Khan was proclaimed the Supreme Khan of the Mongols as he came to power by uniting many of the nomadic tribes living in the Mongolian grasslands and founded the empire.

Don't be scared by the wind. /Looking China screenshot

Pines gained insight into the extraordinary charisma of the legendary man. He also found that people living in grasslands still enjoy the material and spiritual legacy he left even to this day. “Now the grassland is lonesome for its heroes.”

Looking China is a short film series offering a glimpse of China through the lens of 20 foreign filmmakers. We will be sharing their stories in the coming days and weeks.