Director Huo Meng Secures Silver Bear at 75th Berlinale for 'Living on the Land' Ahead of 2026 Brazilian Release

At the prestigious 75th Berlin International Film Festival held in February 2025, Chinese filmmaker Huo Meng achieved a significant milestone by winning the Silver Bear for Best Director. His acclaimed feature, "Living on the Land" (Sheng Xi Zhi Di), delves into the poignant intersection of generational shifts and the evolving landscape of rural China. Following its success on the international festival circuit, the film is scheduled to make its debut in Brazilian cinemas on February 5, 2026.

The movie originally celebrated its world premiere on February 14, 2025, as part of the main competition at the 75th Berlinale. Set against the backdrop of 1991, the narrative explores the friction between traditional agrarian lifestyles and the relentless march of technological progress, specifically the introduction of mechanization. The story centers on ten-year-old Xu Chuan, who is left in the care of his great-grandmother while his parents migrate to Shenzhen in search of employment amid rapid technological shifts. This production was supported by the Shanghai Film Group, with the renowned actor Yao Chen serving as the executive producer.

Industry experts have lauded the film for its striking visual language and its sensitive portrayal of a vanishing way of life. Jordan Mintzer of The Hollywood Reporter praised the work, noting that it transports the audience into a secluded Chinese farming community with the meticulousness and aesthetic grace of a master artist. Mintzer highlighted Huo Meng’s ability to frame an intimate personal drama within a much larger social context. Similarly, Beijing-based cultural critic Shi Wenxue observed that the film’s recognition reflects the Berlinale’s affinity for social realism and historical depth, particularly regarding the erosion of traditional clan structures under the weight of urbanization.

Spanning the lives of four generations of Chinese farmers, "Living on the Land" previously gained attention at the 35th Golden Rooster Film Project Market in 2022. The film is distinguished by its documentary-style cinematography and the authentic use of the Henan province dialect, which serves to deepen the viewer's immersion into the 1990s atmosphere of Northern China. With a runtime of 132 minutes, the production also reached audiences at the 70th Valladolid International Film Festival and the 56th International Film Festival of India in November 2025.

Huo Meng’s Silver Bear win highlights a growing global appreciation for directors who explore the internal social transformations currently reshaping China. During the same festival, the top honor of the Golden Bear was awarded to the Norwegian film "Dreams," directed by Dag Johan Haugerud. Additionally, the Jury Grand Prix was presented to the Brazilian dystopian drama "Blue Road," directed by Gabriel Mascaro. The triumph of "Living on the Land" underscores the enduring relevance of realistic storytelling when examining the socio-economic shifts occurring in agricultural regions.

The film's success is a testament to the power of regional storytelling that resonates on a universal scale. By focusing on the specificities of the Henan dialect and the nuances of rural life in the early nineties, Huo Meng has created a bridge between local history and global cinematic standards. As the film prepares for its 2026 release in Brazil, it continues to serve as a vital document of a period defined by transition, migration, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of systemic change.