“Living the Land”: Interview with Director Huo Meng

At the 75th Berlinale, director Huo Meng captivated audiences with “Living the Land”, a poignant and visually stunning portrait of rural China on the brink of transformation. The film, which won the Silver Bear for Best Director, delicately explores the impact of modernization on traditional life, following a young boy left behind as his parents seek work in the city.

A Cinematic Time Capsule

Rather than focusing on the future, “Living the Land” turns its gaze to the past, capturing a world in transition. Huo Meng’s producer and interpreter, Zhang Fan, explains, translating the director’s words, that the film’s narrative is like a photograph: “You see thousands of years of agricultural society, and at that very specific point, things started to change, leading into a new future.”

Painting with the Camera

The film’s cinematography is breathtaking, with frames reminiscent of oil paintings. This was an intentional choice to reflect the warmth of rural life in contrast to the cold, industrialized future. “The industrial sense is cold and freezing, but nature is warm,” Zhang Fan explains on behalf of Huo Meng.

Tradition vs. Change

While the film portrays a way of life that seems to be disappearing, Huo Meng believes that traditions still endure in meaningful ways. An example from real life: during Chinese New Year, a funeral in a village caused many returning workers to postpone their departure, honouring long-held customs of respect and community.

Blurring Fiction and Reality

With its observational style, “Living the Land” often feels like a documentary. The director’s approach blends scripted storytelling with real-life traditions, capturing the emotional depth of daily life—from cooking to sewing quilts, each action filled with meaning. “Daily life itself is full of emotions,” says Zhang Fan, translating Huo Meng.

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