A heartfelt cultural revolution tale of a swimmer fighting for glory and a girl

Haiyang dreams of winning the All China Swimming Championship. In 1968, Haiyangs 12th year, the Cultural Revolution is in full bloom. His school is closed and his father dies of a heart attack while being arrested. Haiyang and his mother move to the countryside to start a new life. Despite the set back, Haiyang trains in preparation for his schools reopening. A few years pass and just when he thinks he may achieve his dream, Gao Ming (a former friend and classmate) steps in. He steals Haiyangs girlfriend, Bai Ling, and through political coercion via his father forces Haiyang to change to 1500mm swimming style. Gaoming takes the medals in their subsequent competitions, but Haiyang never loses hear and trains to the point of exhaustion. His efforts pay off when he beats Gao Ming to the finish line, winning a major competion. The Cultural Revolution comes to a close, leaving Haiyang with a new freedom. Gao Mings political pressure no longer exists, and Haiyang must search his heart for his true swimming style. Should he continue in the new style he learned under Gao Mings coercion or return to the style he had before? His heart resides in challenging Gao Ming, but fate offers new challenges that he must overcome.

This is the first feature film from director Ema Jin Yimeng, who clearly has a feeling for the cultural revolution period, not to mention the pain of competing, be it sports or romance. The American-Chinese co-production is also beautifully shot by Cinematographer Armando Salas, who employs a deft touch with natural and simple lighting.

Filmmakers's Bio

Ema Jin graduated from Florida State University's Motion Picture, Television and Sound Recording Arts Conservatory with a Master of Fine Arts in Filmmaking. Her short film, The 17th Man (2004), recently won third place at the 2004 Student Emmy Awards, Best director, Best Script and Art Direction at the 2004 Fearless tale film festival, Best Lounge short at Sonoma film festival, Best student film at Vail Film Festival. Official select in Cannes film festival (short film corner). In addition, her short film, "Dinner", has been awarded the third place in IFCT International Festival. She was also a pop musician and cartoonist who published three cartoon books in 2001 by Beijing Publishing house.

Guests: Director Ema Jin, Assistant Director Lou Zhengyu, Postproduction Supervisor Joy Chen

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Yugong Yishan, Ping An Avenue, No.3 Zhangzizhong lu, 100m west of Zhangzizhong lu subway Statation.

西城区平安大道张自忠路3号，地铁五号线张自忠路站往西100米 or call: 6404-2711

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