Group photo of organizers and participants. (Photo by Zhao Yueru)

The closing ceremony for 2023 “Looking China · Hubei”, a branch activity of the International Youth Film Project, was held on May 15 at the Central China Normal University (CCNU), in Wuhan, Hubei’s capital city.

Co-organized by the Academy for International Communication of Chinese Culture (AICCC), Beijing Normal University and Huilin Foundation, the "Looking China" International Youth Film Project focuses on the participants’ personal experiences of Chinese culture and encourages them to discover and tell Chinese stories from their own perspectives.

This year’sevent, themed with folk songs, folk houses and folk customs of Hubei culture, attracted eight groups of participants who was consist of one foreign director and one Chinese producer for each group. They set off on April 28, bound for Wuhan, Enshi, Lichuan, Huangmei, Hong’an, Qichun and other cities and counties in Hubei, making nine documentaries to record six sips of tea, Lichuan wood carving, Hong’an embroidery, the history of medical saint Li Shizhen, Yuanfu paddy fields and other cultural heritages in the province.

At the closing ceremony, vice president of CCNU Ren Youzhou said in his speech that the documentaries showcase the unique charm of Chinese culture and make more Chinese voices and stories known to the world. They demonstrate the contribution made by CCNU in promoting exchanges, mutual learning and cooperation between China and foreign countries.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, executive director of AICCC Xiang Yunju noted this event has seen the birth of nine Chinese stories in the eyes of foreign young people and sent China's voice to the world. Prof. Gupta, the foreign instructor from National Institute of Design, India, delivered a speech, showing his interest in Chinese people's lives, arts and crafts, folk culture and love stories introduced in the documentaries.

Pakistani student Rathore Heena shared her feelings about the filming work of one of the documentaries “The Edge of Wood Carving” as a representative. "Even if I return home in the future, I think Chinese culture will always be a part of my life," she said so.

At the end of the ceremony, the organizers presented commemorative certificates to the instructors and Chinese and foreign students who participated in the 2023 “Looking China · Hubei", and enjoyed the documentaries together. (en.hubei.gov.cn by Ruan Xinqi)

1. JINGCHU STORIES NARRATED BY PEOPLE

As a Chinese saying goes, seeing is better than hearing a hundred things. Through the activity of "Looking China-Hubei", 8 groups of young directors will map thebanks of the Yangtze River with their feet, feel the Jingchu culture with their hearts, transfer thestories of Hubei into everlasting voices and pictures. They will tell the world what they see, andcontribute to the practice of promoting the construction of a community with a shared future for mankind.

2. BY THE FIELDS

Discover the enchanting Yuanfu Rice Field farm, where agriculture meets tourism. Nestled in Hubei Province's Huanggang, this destination welcomes visitors from around the world who seek the simplicity of rural life. Join us as we meet hardworking farmers and friendly staff, and tour the charming coffee shop, unique train restaurant, amazing rice fields, and unconventional lodging options. Explore how this farm balances agriculture and tourism to create a sustainable and thriving business benefiting the local community and visitors alike.

4. DREAMING IN WOOD

With a pair of skillful hands, carefully carved, he made Chinese national culture and Western abstract art blend. Persisting inpursuit and inheriting craftsmanship, he promotes the traditional wood carving techniques tocontinue to shine brightly in modern society. National and modern Wood sculpture: Mou Lizhong, inheritor of intangible cultural heritage in Hubei Province, his style and methods are greatly influenced by the people, whose woodworking skills are still regarded as some of the finest ever. His woodworking exhibits also show how wood can be carved and shaped into spectacular sculptures and used to express commentary about the world in which we live.

5. HANDING DOWN

"There’s no woman in Hong’an who can’t do embroidery" - Hong’an embroidery is a Hong’an County’s folk activity, which has been spread for thousands of years. In Hong'an, we got to know Liu Shouxian and her family, a provincial representative inheritor. Her work has made usmore deeply realize the precious value of intangible cultural inheritance.

6. THE CLAY ENTHUSIAST

Step into the world of Huangpi claysculpture's master Hu and experience the beauty of his unique creations. This short documentary showcases his working studio, devoted disciple, community involvement, and the impact of his sculptures on the people whose lives he's touched.

7. ETHNIC IMPRESSIONS

Ethnic Minority culture is a significant part of Chinese culture. All Ethnic Minority groups have jointly developed the beautiful rivers and mountains of the motherland and jointly created a long Chinese history and splendid Chinese culture. Ethnic minority students of China Normal University who are far away from their hometown have a close bond with Guizi Mountain. Please follow our lens and feel their growth and transformation of them with your heart.

8. LI SHIZHEN

Gaining a deeper understanding and knowledge of Li Shizhen, a medical scientist and naturalist inMing Dynasty. Discovering his doubts and errors, the books he read and his practical experience carried throughout his research during the time he discovered traditional Chinese medicine in Qichun, his hometown. We welcome you to join us as we go deep to understand and discover more about the history behind Li Shizhen’s discovery, what prompted him to have such an awesome discovery, and be with us as we tour Qi Chun and have a look at the various plants surrounding the place, their healing powers and many more that brings his discovery to a success. 

9. MAKING MUSIC OF LIFE

Zhao Hongxiao is not only a teacher at the School of Music of Central China Normal University but also a veteran musician with a good sense of humor. Playing music, beingpassionate about life, preaching and teaching. Through interviews and shooting different scenes inhis life, we will show more about a Chinese folk musician, and his stories of persistence andinheriting of Chinese folk music.