Qiu Jiongjiong’s new film ‘Fuxi’ takes the cinematic world by storm

An exploration of history through food and myth

Chinese filmmaker Qiu Jiongjiong returns with his much-anticipated second feature film, “Fuxi”, following his highly praised debut, “A New Old Play”. In this new venture, Qiu delves deeper into his trademark of blending history and folklore. “Fuxi” uses the universal theme of food to weave a narrative rich with myths, legends, literature, and folk tales.

The film’s title, a fusion of the Chinese words for ‘food’ and ‘joy’, sets the tone for a delightful yet complex storytelling approach. Set against the vibrant backdrop of a circus tent, a quirky film crew is shown crafting a gourmet movie, split into four unique chapters. Each chapter, centered around a festivity, unfolds a tale involving the living, dying, dead, and the long dead.

Star-studded cast and production team

Qiu brings together a talented ensemble for “Fuxi”. The cast includes Lee Kang-sheng (known for “Stranger Eyes” and collaborations with director Tsai Ming-liang), Lee Hong-chi (“Love Is a Gun” and “Cities of Last Things”), Annie Chen, Darran Wang, and Fan Kuang-yao. Their dynamic performances are expected to breathe life into the intricate storytelling of the film.

This ambitious project is a collaboration of three production giants from Taiwan, France, and Japan. The producers include Ding Ningyuan, with a wealth of experience from the Hong Kong Asian Film Financing Forum, and Zhao Jin. The executive production team boasts Tang Tsai Yang and Jonathan Kim, promising a production quality that matches the film’s grand vision.

A global vision for ‘Fuxi’

“Fuxi” is set to navigate the evolving landscape of Chinese independent films. The producers intend to reintroduce the film domestically post-completion, although it currently lacks a sales agent in the international market. However, the team is open to international partnerships and plans to pitch “Fuxi” as a work in progress at a significant project market in December. Notably, the film has already garnered accolades, winning the Project D Award at this year’s Hong Kong Asian Film Financing Forum.

Four chapters, four unique tales

The film’s narrative is a journey through time, offering:

1. A funeral feast 4,000 years ago: A grandmother’s extraordinary gift to her descendants.
2. A spring festival 3,000 years ago: A former king returns as a bird and encounters unforeseen challenges at a banquet.
3. A mid-autumn banquet in the 1990s: Spirits gather to honor an ancient epicurean poet.
4. A contemporary birthday celebration: A waif crosses paths with underworld deities.

Each chapter is a culinary exploration, blending historical tales with modern sensibilities, underlining Qiu’s unique storytelling flair.

Directorial vision and cinematic innovation

Qiu Jiongjiong, often referred to as a contemporary Chinese artist, has always had an innovative approach to cinematic language. He describes his work as extracting joy from the raw ingredients of everyday life, much like a chef creates a meal. His experimental edge has manifested in six independent documentaries and the critically acclaimed “A New Old Play”, which won accolades at the Locarno and Hong Kong International Film Festivals.

This film is not just a continuation but an expansion of Qiu’s vision, integrating life’s mundane aspects into a grand, almost fairy-tale-like narrative.

Retrospective and future distribution

Qiu’s works continue to gain recognition. A retrospective of his films will feature in the Chinese Cinema Today 2024 presentations in Tokyo and Osaka. Additionally, seven of his films have found a home on Taiwan’s Giloo streaming platform, expanding his reach and influence.

Global distribution of ‘A New Old Play’

“A New Old Play” is set for distribution in 2025 by Katsuben Cinema Club in Japan, Carlotta Films in France, and Cineaste Production House in Southeast Asia, further cementing Qiu’s impact on the global film stage.

Embrace Qiu’s culinary cinema

Qiu Jiongjiong continues to push boundaries with each project. “Fuxi” promises to be a culinary and cinematic delight, rich in culture, history, and intricate human tales. Such films not only entertain but offer profound reflections on the intricacies of life.

Sharing Qiu’s innovative storytelling will undoubtedly stimulate conversations among film enthusiasts and scholars alike. So stay tuned for “Fuxi” and join the discussion on this extraordinary filmmaker’s journey.

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