What is the personal inspiration behind "Shanghai Daughter"?

The film's director, Agnis Shen Zhongmin, was inspired by the death of her father fourteen years ago, leading her on a personal journey to the region where he lived.

What themes does "Shanghai Daughter" explore?

The film explores themes of ecofeminism, China's social history during the Cultural Revolution's Down to the Countryside Movement, and the blurring of lines between fiction and documentary.

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Shanghai Daughter: A Personal Journey to China's Past

Q: When and where will "Shanghai Daughter" premiere?

"Shanghai Daughter" will world premiere in the Panorama section of the 2026 Berlin International Film Festival.

3 Feb

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Summary

Film set in a rubber plantation in Xishuangbanna, China.
Explores themes of ecofeminism and China's social history.
Features non-actors alongside lead actress Liang Cuishan.

Shanghai Daughter: A Personal Journey to China's Past

The debut feature film from Chinese director Agnis Shen Zhongmin, titled "Shanghai Daughter," is set to premiere in the Panorama section of the 2026 Berlin International Film Festival. The drama centers on Ming, a Shanghai native who travels to a remote rubber tree plantation in Xishuangbanna. Her solitary journey aims to connect with individuals who knew her late father during the Down to the Countryside Movement, a significant event of the Cultural Revolution approximately fifty years prior.

As the landscape undergoes transformation due to demolition and modern development, Ming encounters various local figures, including a farm officer, a doctor, a Dai elder, and an ecologist. These interactions are deeply rooted in Shen Zhongmin's personal experiences, stemming from her father's passing fourteen years ago. Her visits to the region over time fostered a strong connection to the land and its inhabitants.