I am from Xinjiang on the Silk Road

I am from Xinjiang on the Silk Road is a documentary telling the story of 18 Xinjiang people in contemporary China. The film seeks to record the perspective of people with real experiences in order to present the status and dreams of those from Xinjiang. The documentary shows how people from Xinjiang integrate themselves into a society with different nationalities and cultures, attempts to dispel preconceptions of Xinjiang, and shows ordinary people's everyday lives.[3][4][5]

I am from Xinjiang on the Silk Road
我从新疆来
GenreDocumentary
Written byKurbanjan Samat
Directed byKurbanjan Samat[1]
Country of originChina
Original languageChinese
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes6
Production
ProducerWang Yanyu
Production locationXinjiang
CinematographyWang Lu
Editors
  • Liu Yingbing
  • Zhao Yinhu
  • Qin Hailong
Running time25 minutes
Production companyShanghai Jianghan Culture Investment Development Co.
Original release
NetworkCCTV-9, Tencent Video, IQiyi, LeTV
Release22 June 2016 (2016-06-22)[2]

The six-episode large-scale documentary was produced by Shanghai Jianghan Culture Investment Development Co., Ltd., and was jointly produced by the People's Political Consultative Conference Culture Media Co., Ltd., Suizhong Holdings, and the Beijing Dianyi Culture Communication Center. Director Chen Xiaoqing of "A Bite of China" served as advisor, director and actor Chen Jianbin as artistic director, actress Tong Liya, initiator of the Yanran Fund Li Yapeng as the co-producer. The former author Kurbanjan Semat as the general director and chief producer.[6] A book has been published about the experiences of Xinjiang people based on the series. It records the experiences of the photographer Kurbanjan Samat and 100 of his Xinjiang subjects who work and live in Mainland China on which "I am from Xinjiang on the Silk Road" is based.[7]

Background edit

The documentary series was planned and directed by an Uygur Kurbanjan Samat (قۇربانجان سەمەت). The original story of more than 100 ordinary Xinjiang people working and living in different ages, ethnic groups, occupations, and was recorded in shots and words by Kurbanjan. These images show that contemporary Xinjiang people who try to achieve their dreams.[8] Xinjiang is located in the most western part of China that accounts for one-sixth of China's territory with distinct geographical and cultural features. It has 20 million people of different nations who live in their own cultural traditions. However, for many Chinese and other people, Xinjiang is still a mysterious and unfamiliar topic. The media coverage of Xinjiang is mostly about the deserts, the poverty in the region, its fruit produce, and the song and dance of the people there. As a result, people know very little about Xinjiang, and the terrorist incidences[spelling?] that have occurred in recent years created a negative impression for Xinjiang.[9]

The documentary director saw the confusion of his compatriots and used his camera to record the lives of the people of Xinjiang to present them to the rest of the country in the documentary.[10] The series shows Xinjiang and the lives its people as it existed, and presents the region from the perspective of Xinjiang people. The documentary demonstrates that Xinjiang is an inalienable part of these people, and that Xinjiang gives them a distinct personality and unique experiences, but also presents them with extraordinary choices. Even when they leave Xinjiang, they are still inextricably linked to Xinjiang.[11] Therefore, he named the title is "I come from Xinjiang on the silk road."

Episodes edit

The documentary "I Come from Xinjiang on the Silk Road" portrays the lives of individuals hailing from Xinjiang, spanning the past three decades. The documentary offers insight into their experiences against the backdrop of the Xinjiang region. Each character featured in the six episodes embodies prevalent challenges encountered in contemporary society, encompassing aspirations, adversities, hometown ties, relationships, love, and marriage. These individuals have relocated to major urban centers like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, seeking improved prospects. Through their determination and diligence, they have achieved diverse levels of accomplishment. The documentary underscores their endeavors to assimilate into society, highlighting the rich tapestry of nationalities and cultures, all while acknowledging the unwavering tenacity of ordinary individuals.

Season 1 I Am From Xinjiang On The Silk Road edit

The series include six episodes and each episode concludes three stories of people.[12]

Dream edit

The episode is about challenging yourself and challenging the limits. The three characters are all dedicated to pursuing their dreams and career.

Abrati, the founder of the Guangzhou Flying club, used to be a dancer but decided to pursue his dream learn to be a paragliding coach. Zu Lipikar, began playing boxing at the age of 3 and through his efforts to enter international competitions. He could challenge the gold belt and get closer to achieving the dream of becoming a professional boxer. Yaya, a Han girl was born and grown up in Xinjiang. She fell in love with nature and becomes involved with the protection of wildlife and environment.

Family edit

This episode is about family, the story between two generations.

The Xinjiang couple who took the scientific research road in Tsinghua University, despite all kinds of pressures and difficulties in life, they still chose to bring their daughter from Xinjiang to Beijing, to accompany her growing up. Otkai, a high school student born in Shanghai who is a second-generation of Xinjiang people. He hoped to use his own efforts to win the basketball championship for the class, even with injury. Eric, the first visit to Beijing because he wanted to see Mao, and later he lived in Beijing for 30 years. Due to his son had brain cancer, he tried his best to look after his son. Despite the pain and hardship of life, he always shows a smile.

Career edit

This episode shows three business people and their career and pursuit. Their way of doing business has a distinctive brand from Xinjiang.

Yang Jian left from Xinjiang for love, he came to Shanghai, running a restaurant from three people's to more than 1200 stuff. How to make the employees of 17 nationalities and 7 different nationalities get along harmoniously, he made a bold attempt in culture and also made a fusion of the tastes of foods. Kahal is an English teacher and an entrepreneur, he started from zero and hoped to open 100 foreign language education institutions in China. Zhang Zhiqiang represents a strong adaptability. In Shenzhen, he fully integrated into the local lifestyle. In his body, there are the characteristics of merchants on the Millennium Silk Road.

Love edit

This episode is focused on three young women and is about love. They talk about emotional issues in the era of great changes.

Xie Yaer, who had no time to talk about marriage and had high expectations for marriage, decided to complete a declaration by taking a picture of one person's wedding.

Go back home edit

This episode tells the story of going home, and represents different states of life.

Ali Mujiang, returning to Ürümqi, waiting for him is a smooth sailing life. All resources are in the place where they grew up. Ruxian Guli, a dancer who drifts in Beijing, dreams of returning home to take care of her aging parents. However, as her father's illness died, she returned home and found out that her family had become a place she couldn't go back to. Ma Jun, returned to the remote town in the west. He discovered that from emotions to lifestyles, he is already having a hard time in his homeland. Hometown, what does it mean to him?

Start on a journey edit

The key words in this episode are start on a journey.

Li Yapeng, young and famous actor, has now faded out of the entertainment industry. When he saw where he grew up, he could not help crying. This is also the core of the entire story. What kind of deep imprint has left him in Xinjiang? Parhati, a real Xinjiang native musician, use life experiences to communicate with Xinjiang and transfer that to songs. Tong liya, Xinjiang is the start point of her dancing and her whole life.

Season 2 I Am Going To Xinjiang edit

The documentary “I am going to Xinjiang” was produced by the Shanghai Jianghange Culture Company and is divided into exploration, pioneering, homecoming, reunion, inspiration, challenges, and opportunities. It tells the story of ordinary people in China and also presents a story within the "One Belt One Road" magnificent style along the route.

Kurbanjan Semat, who served as general director and chief producer, said that the shooting style is similar to “I am from Xinjiang on the Silk Road” and the crew focused on the people supporting all aspects of Xinjiang construction in different periods of New China. "We spoke from the daily lives of little people and focused on the moving stories of generations of people who went to Xinjiang and took root in Xinjiang. At the same time, we also learned the unique local customs and people's interest in work and life."[13]

"I am going to Xinjiang " will hold a documentary premiere at the Great Hall of the People in March 2018 and will officially air on the CCTV-9, online media such as Tencent and iQiyi.[14]

Season 3 I Was Born In Xinjiang edit

The third season of the documentary film "I Was Born in Xinjiang" was also planned to start in 2018.[13]

Awards edit

On Nov 11, 2016, the large-scale documentary "I am from Xinjiang on the Silk Road" won the 22nd China Television Documentary Award for Best Micro-Recording Works.[15]

On June 12, 2017, "I am from Xinjiang on the Silk Road" won the 2016 Outstanding Domestic Documentary.[16]

Media Review edit

"When reading news, Xinjiang is sometimes very distant; when reading this book, Xinjiang is very familiar! In these pictures and texts, there is no one else but ourselves. It is unclear what these stories will change, but these stories appear before us and themselves are changes!" —— Bai Yansong[17]

"Kurbanjan is my colleague and we work together for many years. As a photographer with outstanding talent, Kurbanjan is keen, diligent, and kind. As a Uighur youth, he has always had his own unique and profound understanding of the changes that have taken place in Xinjiang these years. This "I come from Xinjiang" is his expression after a long period of precipitation. It is a true documentary." ——Chen Xiaoqing (General Director of A Bite of China)[17]

"I Am From Xinjiang On The Silk Road" This book records 100 stories with heart and photos, recording love and peace." ——Jackie Chan[17]

References edit

  1. ^ Xu, Fan (8 May 2018). "All roads lead to Xinjiang". China Daily. Retrieved 9 May 2018.
  2. ^ "我从新疆来 (豆瓣)". movie.douban.com (in Chinese). Retrieved 2018-03-16.
  3. ^ "大型纪录片《我从新疆来》在京首映-新华网". www.xinhuanet.com. Archived from the original on March 16, 2018. Retrieved 2018-03-16.
  4. ^ 王名扬. "《我从新疆来》新书发布会现场报道_新闻中心_中国网". www.china.com.cn. Retrieved 2018-03-16.
  5. ^ "我从新疆来". v.qq.com (in Chinese (China)). Retrieved 2018-03-16.
  6. ^ "《我从新疆来》大型纪录片在上海电视节发布推介".
  7. ^ 我从新疆来. 中信出版社. 2014-10-16. ISBN 9787508647517.
  8. ^ "库尔班江·赛买提:我从新疆来_焦点人物_腾讯网". news.qq.com. Retrieved 2018-03-16.
  9. ^ "《我从新疆来》新书发布:全新解读"阳光新疆"". book.sina.com.cn. Retrieved 2018-03-16.
  10. ^ 网易. "库尔班江的纪录片:希望孩子在没有偏见中长大_网易新闻". news.163.com. Retrieved 2018-03-16.
  11. ^ "新疆人:离开家乡才会被打上家乡的标签-搜狐新闻". news.sohu.com. Retrieved 2018-03-16.
  12. ^ "我从新疆来大结局 第6集(6全集)_电视猫". www.tvmao.com. Retrieved 2018-03-16.
  13. ^ a b "大型纪录片《我到新疆去》将于今年首播_手机凤凰网". inews.ifeng.com. Retrieved 2018-03-16.
  14. ^ "这里是他们说的远方,是我们的家——《我到新疆去》即将首映".
  15. ^ 网易. "《我从新疆来》斩获大奖 "江汗格"厚积薄发_网易娱乐". ent.163.com. Retrieved 2018-03-16.
  16. ^ 网易. "上海电视节丨这些年度优秀国产纪录片受到了表彰_网易新闻". news.163.com. Retrieved 2018-03-16.
  17. ^ a b c 苏向东. "我从新疆来_新闻中心_中国网". www.china.com.cn. Retrieved 2018-03-16.