Director spotlights rural children's soccer dreams in debut film

For his directorial debut, Fei Yu, a sci-fi enthusiast, decided to take a down-to-earth approach by making a realistic drama focusing on rural children.

A still image from "Football on the Roof" showing two sisters living in Yunnan province. [Photo courtesy of Huayi Brothers Media]

During field research in Yunnan province for "Football on the Roof," Fei was inspired by scenes of grandparents playing soccer with their grandchildren. In Nujiang Lisu autonomous prefecture, he met a girl who, while caring for her family in her parents' absence, wished for photos of the outside world from the director, a world she'd never seen.

"Her words touched my heart. She later revealed that they were actually not longing to see modern buildings and cars in urban regions. They were actually longing for the place where their mom and dad went to," Fei told China.org.cn. "For children, only the place where their parents are can be called home."

Fei incorporated these impressions into his script. The project was pitched at the Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival in 2021, where it gained attention, recognition, and investment from veteran filmmaker Huang Jianxin and Wang Zhonglei, CEO of Huayi Brothers Media.

The film, featuring amateur actors, follows two sisters in a mountain village who, with a struggling retired soccer coach, form a women's team, reach the finals, and achieve their dream. It was filmed in an ancient, abandoned village in Yunnan's Honghe Hani and Yi autonomous prefecture.

(From left to right) Actor Shi Junxian, director Fei Yu, and young actresses Tang Liangfeng and Tan Xinyu talk to China.org.cn in an interview. [Photo/China.org.cn]

Fei and his crew selected around 20 talented children from a pool of over 10,000 across 203 schools, providing them with extensive training for the film. While in France, renowned director Hirokazu Koreeda advised Fei to choose children who can collaborate well. Fei said he focused on casting young actors with a pure, clear gaze capable of conveying emotions.

Tan Xinyu and Tang Liangfeng, two real-life soccer fans, were cast to play the leading roles in the film. Tan, a soccer enthusiast, seized the opportunity to experience movie-making while honing her soccer skills, dedicating herself to achieving her goals.

Tang's story is even more poignant. She shared with Fei how her parents were always too busy to watch her play soccer. Overwhelmed with emotion, Tang cried while recounting her experience to the director.

"The light in her eyes was exactly what I was looking for, and her emotion was sincere," Fei recalled. "So, I decided on her and also was inspired to incorporate elements of her story into my script. She just wanted her mom and dad to see her play soccer, and eventually, they really did."

Not only her parents, but audiences nationwide have also seen Tang's performance since the film hit Chinese theaters on April 20.

Shi Junxian, who plays the coach in the film, described his role as a powerful figure providing spiritual support for the children. "However, he finds his dream again thanks to these kids. He helps them, but actually, he's helping himself. This really touched me," Shi said.

A poster for "Football on the Roof." [Image courtesy of Huayi Brothers Media]

Fei credits the children, cast, and crew for making the film a milestone in his career, highlighting his newfound appreciation for the charm of filmmaking. He expressed gratitude and a determination to make more films. "'Football on the Roof' tells the story of a group of children living in Yunnan who are passionate about life. I want the audience to experience their lives through this film," Fei said.

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