Every year during August and September, several thousand agricultural workers leave Sichuan by train for a long trip of more than 3,000 km, lasting three days and two nights, towards China’s far west: Xinjiang Autonomous Region, where endless cotton fields are awaiting the harvest. For most of the workers it’s the first time away from their native villages, as well as their first time on a train. The aim of Railroad of Hope was to cast a light on the relatively new phenomenon of internal migrations in China, and on the flood of workers who travel mainly by railway. The result is a documentary in which, probably for the first time ever, we can listen to Chinese peasants from poor interior regions speaking openly and sincerely about their lives. [aus dem Forumprogramm]

1 How would you describe the aesthetics of your film?

- realistic

2 Why did you choose to shoot on dv?

- because it's small

3 What was special about shooting in dv (e.g.compared to 35mm, was it your first time with dv or are you used to it)?

- dv allows for more freedom
- it was the first time with dv

4 Which camera and which editing software did you use?

- Sony PD-150 and Apple Final Cut-Pro

5 What was your shoot-edit ratio?

- 30:1

6 Would you have preferred to shoot in another format? If so which?

- no.

7 Does using dv mean that you are considering other means of distribution opposing the established? If so which?

- no

8 One good word about dv (or two):

- it depends from the working circumstances

9 One bad word about dv (or two):

- it depends from the working circumstances