Berlin-based sales agent M-Appeal will handle international sales for “Living the Land,” the second feature by Chinese director Huo Meng, which will world premiere in Berlinale Competition next month. The film is an epic family tale that traces the lives of four generations over the course of a single year.
Set in 1991, as China undergoes sweeping socio-economic changes that drive many to leave their rural villages in pursuit of work in the cities, 10-year-old Chuang, the third child of his family, must remain in the village due to family plans. Against the backdrop of modernization, as the advent of technology reshapes their traditional way of life, cycles of births, marriages and funerals reveal the weight of tradition and the pressures of balancing familial responsibilities with a rapidly changing world.
Huo Meng’s 2018 debut feature “Crossing the Border — Zhaoguan” won the Pingyao International Film Festival Fei Mu Award for best director. Selected by director Jia Zhangke, the film was screened at the 2020 Berlinale in the “On Transmission” Special Program, marking the 70th edition of the festival.
“Living the Land” is executive produced by Yao Chen, a celebrated actress and producer in China, and produced by Zhang Fan. The production companies are Floating Light Film and Culture, Shanghai Film Group, Phoenix Legend Films, Bad Rabbit Pictures and Lianray Pictures.
“With stunning cinematography, moving performances, and intricately composed scenes, Huo Meng has created an immersive and emotionally layered cinematic experience. This film elevates his talent to new heights,” said Maren Kroymann, managing director of M-Appeal.
Production of the film took place over a whole calendar year, reflecting the natural changes of each season, which was central to the story.
In Berlin, M-Appeal will also be representing “Dreams (Sex, Love)” by Dag Johan Haugerud, playing in Berlinale Competition, and “Night Stage” by Filipe Matzembacher and Marcio Reolon, premiering in Berlinale’s Panorama sidebar.
