Director Li Ruijun: Bringing Rural Stories to the Big Screen 🌾🎥
\"I keep making films about the land I come from,\" says Li Ruijun, the celebrated director known for his heartfelt portrayals of rural life. With six feature films under his belt and numerous international awards, Li has carved a niche in the film industry by focusing on the stories of his homeland.
Roots in the Countryside 🌿
Growing up in the countryside, where \"kids help with farm work during school breaks,\" Li became intimately familiar with agricultural life. \"From a young age, I became very familiar with agricultural life,\" he recalls. When he began his filmmaking journey, he noticed a lack of films about rural life, especially from places like the Hexi Corridor, his home region.
\"The more I thought about it, the more I felt the need to share the stories of people from my region,\" Li explains. \"It's a place and way of life that deserves more attention. As a filmmaker, I feel it's my duty to portray it.\"
Balancing Professionals and Common People 🎭
Li believes that \"balancing professional actors with common people is the key to capturing the authentic feel of rural life.\" He emphasizes that while professional actors bring emotional depth, non-professional actors add authenticity to the portrayal of rural settings.
\"I mostly make realist films, and capturing the texture of life is crucial—especially in rural settings,\" Li notes. He acknowledges the challenges professional actors face in adapting to rural environments and dialects. \"The authenticity of non-professional actors can soften the forced nature of professional actors' performances,\" he says. \"It's about achieving a harmony between both sets of individuals.\"
The Power of Originality 🌟
As a juror for the Golden Coconut Award, Li values originality above all in short films. \"The core value of any work of art is its ability to offer something fresh and unique,\" he asserts. While the story and audiovisual techniques are important, it's originality that truly stands out for him.
\"Regardless of where the jurors come from—Europe, Asia, or the Chinese mainland—we all share a common appreciation for emotional storytelling,\" Li shares. \"We want to see something moving, with a strong sense of originality.\"
Inspiring a New Generation of Filmmakers 🎬
Li Ruijun's dedication to showcasing rural life and his unique approach to filmmaking continue to inspire aspiring filmmakers worldwide. His emphasis on authenticity, balance, and originality serves as a guiding light for those looking to tell their own stories.
So, if you're dreaming of making films that move audiences, take a page from Li's book: Stay true to your roots, embrace authenticity, and dare to be original. Who knows? Maybe your story will be the next to captivate the world! 🌍✨
Reference(s):
Golden Coconut Award juror Li Ruijun shares criteria for great films
cgtn.com
