Set in 1991, Living the Land tells the story of a poor family in a village through the eyes of ten-year-old Chuang. With his parents constantly away in other cities as seasonal laborers, Chuang grows up in the care of relatives. The year 1991 marks a turning point when he begins to better grasp the world around him and when life in the village starts to change. The villagers, who until then had led simple lives, are suddenly faced with the winds of transformation sweeping across the country: machines replacing human labor, teams arriving to search for oil, and innovations that alter daily existence.

Inspired by director Meng’s childhood memories, the film unfolds in long, ritualistic sequences: weddings, funerals, family meals, harvest time in the fields, and state-mandated inspections. While depicting a pivotal moment in China’s history of change and economic development, it tells a story that is both realistic and moving, exploring the clash between tradition and modernity and its profound social impact.

Berlin 2025

Silver Bear Best Director