A documentary about a very unconventional performance: the project involved not only actors and dancers, but also 30 Beijing farm workers from the poorer regions of Sichuan province. In addition, both the rehearsals and the performance took place in the production hall of a former textile factory that could soon be torn down as part of Beijing’s rapid modernisation. The superbly fit farm labourers, who came to the city when they lost hope that conditions would improve at home, are the supporting pillars of this modernisation – and also of this performance. The 30 farm labourers working on building sites in Beijing had at first the sole wish to be paid 30 yen a day. It was only some time later that they discovered that they, the lowest of the low, would be standing centre stage. My aim as a documentary filmmaker was to record the preparations for the performance. Wu Wenguang [aus dem Forumprogramm]

 1 How would you describe the aesthetics of your film?

As a documentary filmmaker, I would like my film to be very close to the reality and the people of the society of China today, but mediated through my own personal views.

 2 Why did you choose to shoot on dv?

It is the most important for me that I can work alone, just one person, and it is not very expensive. At last I have freedom that makes it possible to go anywhere with my dv camera, and freely shoot what I am interested in at that moment. I would really like to say that I really got freedom with film. Because I was in trouble when I worked with documentaries with a team on Betacam cameras.

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)?

I was real excited because I could play with my subjects on dv. In 1998, at that time, I was staying with a group of young framers who left their village to make their life on the road with performance in big tent. “Playing” means that I forgot I was a filmmaker, and could just be an ordinary person who shared their joy. The DV-camera was just a part of my body. When there were a few days over, they used to stay with me and my camera.

4 Which camera and which editing software did you use?

I used Canon XL-1, Sony PD150, and small one, Sony PC100. I have been using DV300 and Premiere 6.0 as editing software.

5 What was your shoot-edit ratio?

Normally, it is about 50-1.

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

No, I think I will never change from Mini DV.

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

No, I do have any idea of it.

8 One good word about dv (or two):

The possibility of making a really personal film.

9 One bad word about dv (or two):

No.