Chinese film "Nightingale," made by a French filmmaker in collaboration with Chinese producers, shows outstanding beauty of China's countryside at the 25th Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) in California.
The film was made by French director Philippe Muyl, whose previous film "The Butterfly" was very popular with Chinese audience, which led him to produce this new film.
"Nightingale" is a multi-dimensional family story set in modern China, featuring the relationship between a grandfather and his smart but spoiled young granddaugher.
"If someone asked me five years ago if I would make a Chinese film, I would have said 'impossible!'" Muyl told Xinhua. "But I'm glad I did."
"My Chinese producers, writer, and cinematographer were very helpful," said Muyl. "Actually we worked so well together that they told me I must have been Chinese in my previous life," he continued with a chuckle.
Muyl did his research and traveled extensively in China in 2010 and 2011 before writing his script and working with Chinese co-writer Yang Yang.
In "Nightingale," the grandfather takes his granddaughter from Beijing to his home village near Guilin. The journey changes the little girl, as she discovers freedom, new friends and the beauty of the countryside.
"China is a beautiful country," said Muyl. "But many people in the West don't know it. It would be nice if they were exposed to the beautiful side of China."
Muyl takes the audience on a Chinese road trip through spectacular mountain villages to discover the daily existence of the people and the beauty of nature.
Talking about filmmaking in China, Muyl said he would like to see more support from the government to filmmakers, especially young filmmakers.
He believed a lower cost would draw more people to movie theaters in China.
"At the cost of 12 to 15 euros to watch a film in theater, it's more expensive than the 7-euro ticket in France," he said.In
"Nightingale" will soon be distributed in China.
About 135,000 people from across the United States attend the film festival, one of the largest in North America, every year. The current festival runs on January 3-13.