Cao Zhen

caozhen0806@126.com

“THE Sky of Fireflies,” a Shenzhen-made movie telling an uplifting tale of primary school students’ street dance, will open in cinemas Aug. 12. Starring local primary school students, the homegrown film shines a spotlight on the city’s energetic youth, reflecting the upbeat spirit of Shenzhen’s young generation.

The movie, with English subtitles, tells the story of two rival street dance groups in a primary school. After experiencing ups and downs in team formation, training, rehearsals and competitions, the students come to understand the true meaning of dancing and competition, and finally they join hands, like fireflies gathering together and flickering their lights, illuminating everything around them to their fullest.

The production team made a conscious effort to cast students from local schools in the lead roles, giving an authentic representation of the city’s vibrant youth scene. The main cast are from schools such as Honghu Primary School, Fujing Foreign Language School, Liyuan Foreign Language School (Tianjiao) and Shenzhen Pengxing Experimental School. By having filmed in Shenzhen and featuring characters wearing typical Shenzhen school uniforms, the movie enables audience members to establish a close connection with the characters.

Delving into the lives of local children, the movie highlights Shenzhen children’s lively and independent nature. Through their passion for street dance, the characters in the movie exhibit their determination, teamwork and inner strength to adapt to various challenges.

“Shenzhen primary school students develop a certain level of wisdom at a young age. I am particularly impressed by their unwavering spirit, which inspired us to create the film,” said chief producer Zhao Peng. “In the film, the students embark on an exciting journey of self-discovery through practicing street dance. I believe children would enjoy watching movies based on their own stories, not just animated ones.”

At the premiere of the movie at Shenzhen Theater in Luohu District on Sunday, audience members acclaimed that despite there being no A-list stars in the movie, it brings a refreshing and delightful feeling with the local students’ natural performances. Meanwhile, each child character in the film has distinct traits, such as resilient, witty, talented, amiable, intelligent or responsible, and the children portrayed these traits in a genuine and lively manner.

At the premiere, the child performers, including Jing Yundi, Wang Kunyun, Zhang Shanya, Fu Chenxi, Shao Zihan, Liu Renxing and Yan Shicheng, expressed their understanding of perseverance through starring in the movie, saying the spirit of perseverance has greatly inspired them, making them realize that they should not easily give up.

The film was produced by several local cultural companies, including Zhongqing Yingxun (Shenzhen) Culture Co. Ltd., and supported by the Publicity Department of the CPC Luohu District Committee and the Luohu District Federation of Literary and Art Circles. The whole project was incubated by the Luohu District Film and Television Association.

The film’s release couldn’t come at a better time, as it promises to be an ideal choice for people from all ages to enjoy during the summer. Its positive theme, coupled with catchy dance routines and an engaging storyline, will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on viewers. The film’s director Zhong Xiao’ou said he hopes people from all ages would find their passion for life ignited after watching this movie.