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.

The film expands its narrative to explore ecofeminism and crucial periods of China's social history. Director Shen Zhongmin describes it as an experiment in blurring the lines between fiction and documentary, private and public spheres, using a contemplative cinematic style. The production also features the natural beauty of southwest China as a significant element.

"Shanghai Daughter" stars Liang Cuishan, alongside real-life individuals and non-actors, enhancing its authentic portrayal. The film, shot in Mandarin Chinese and the Dai dialect, was previously recognized in the work-in-progress section of the 2025 Shanghai International Film Festival. International sales are being managed by Parallax Films.