Cai Shangjun, the acclaimed director who won the Silver Lion at the Venice Film Festival in 2011, is back this year with his latest project, “The Sun Rises on Us All.” This film, which competes in the festival’s official selection, is a nuanced exploration of guilt, moral dilemmas, and the challenging path to forgiveness.
Starring Xin Zhilei as Meiyun, the narrative follows her life as it spirals after an encounter with Zhang Songwen, who plays Baoshu, her former lover imprisoned for a crime she committed. Feng Shaofeng, known for his role in “Wolf Totem,” supports the cast as Qifeng.
Impact of the Pandemic on Filmmaking
Cai reflects on the obstacles he faced during the pandemic, which significantly altered the landscape for film production in China. “In 2017, I made a film called ‘The Conformist,’” he recounted in an interview with *Variety*. “After that film, I was involved in preparing for a new project. However, after 2019, the pandemic hit, and the climate for making films was not ideal. I was quite pessimistic at that time.”
The lockdowns from 2019 to 2022 restricted production opportunities, making it uncertain whether he could create a film with an arthouse sensibility. Fortunately, he found new space for independent thought post-pandemic, collaborating with his wife, Han Nianjin, who wrote the screenplay for the film.
Cai noted a distinct shift in his thematic focus compared to his previous works. “In ‘People Mountain People Sea’ and ‘The Conformist,’ I concentrated on less prominent societal figures grappling with injustice,” he stated. “Now, I’m more interested in the spiritual lives of the Chinese people and their internal struggles.”
A Deep Dive into Morality
“The Sun Rises on Us All” revolves around the complex theme of morality, presenting a distinctly Chinese narrative. Cai explained, “It addresses sacrifice and the idea of giving back, as well as the emotional costs involved. It also touches on kindness and the underlying elements of hatred, revealing multiple layers to these themes.”
To capture this depth, Cai collaborated with South Korean cinematographer Kim Hyunseok and French editor Matthieu Laclau. He emphasized his desire for the film’s cinematography to be grounded in the emotional logic of the characters, rather than overtly stylistic. “We wanted the audience to connect with the emotional experience of the characters, allowing them to forget about the technical aspects of filmmaking,” he explained.
Editing became an integral part of the process, with Cai highlighting his positive experience working with Laclau. “We edited around 47 versions of the film, and every two days, he would present me with updated samples. The sequences he selected resonated well with my vision,” he noted.
As Cai looks ahead, he is already contemplating his next film, which will center on a male character in his thirties from a small town in China. Set during the Spring Festival, this upcoming project will explore themes of love and the quest for a partner, infused with a touch of black humor.
“The Sun Rises on Us All” is produced by Guangzhou Mint Pictures and features multiple Chinese co-production partners. International sales are being managed by Mk2 Films. The film not only marks Cai’s return to Venice but also represents a profound reflection on contemporary Chinese society, offering audiences a chance to engage with its intricate moral landscape.