Short cuts help reveal bigger picture

The third movie in the BRICS coproduction project launched by Chinese director Jia Zhangke, which features five stories and locations, recently premiered at the 3rd Pingyao International Film Festival, Xu Fan reports.

For most people, soccer might be the first thing that springs to mind when you talk about Brazil. But, it's a lesser-known fact that the country credited for the Oscar-nominated movies Central Station and City of God has shaped a unique cinematic landscape over the decades.

For moviegoers interested in taking a peek into modern Brazilian cinema, Neighbors, the latest attempt to team up rising talent from across the five BRICS countries, might be a good option.

The film is the third installment of a coproduction project launched by director Jia Zhangke-one of China's most recognized art house filmmakers internationally-in 2017.

The movie's global premiere took place in late October at the 3rd Pingyao International Film Festival in China, before being screened a few days later at the 2019 Sao Paulo International Film Festival. It has now been set for general release across China in the first half of next year, according to its producers.

Centering on the titular subject, the anthology feature-consisting of five stand-alone stories each produced by a different director-explores human relationships in each of their nations.

A rising star in local cinema circles, Brazilian director Beatriz Seigner says she was invited to join the project when she was celebrating her birthday earlier this year.

Deeming the film a special "gift", Seigner joined hands with her directorial counterparts-Han Yan from China, Alexander Zolotukhin from Russia, Rima Das from India, and Jenna Bass from South Africa-to co-helm the 106-minute work.