Village comedy about reform and opening-up gets green light

The team behind “Marathon in the Spring,” a film paying tribute to the 40th anniversary of China’s reform and opening-up, officially announced on Thursday at the 21st Shanghai International Film Festival that the project will go ahead.

The realistic comedy, based on a true story from Ninghai, Zhejiang Province, depicts the achievements of China’s villages since reform and opening-up. It stars young actors Zhang Duo and Xu Baihui.

According to director Xia Xiaoyun, they have already visited dozens of villages in Ninghai to prepare for shooting.

“We are trying to present a heartwarming and sincere production,” Xia said.

Chen Yuren, vice president of Shanghai Media Group, a producer of the movie, said that this is an important project for them. 

“The original story is touching and thought-provoking, and it inspired us to make a movie,” Chen said.

The film is expected to hit cinemas across China in December.