Abstract
Since 2014, a typical phenomenon emerged and still survives in the film creations of new directors: return to the homeland. This is emphatically reflected in various aspects such as the spatial production and modes of expression as modernity. Firstly, new directors use memory and landscape to imagine and create their homeland in mainly four forms: “temporal rhetoric,” “childhood perspective,” “humorous atmosphere,” and “sense of surrealism,” endowing their films with a unique character. Secondly, as a creative method, it has a strong influence on the film production of new directors. Thirdly, new directors use their homeland to construct a “spatial system” and “spirit of place,” as a way of completing the reflective expression of “personal history” and “social history.”
About the author
Guowei He is a lecturer of the School of Design and Fashion, Zhejiang University of Science & Technology.
References
Anderson, Elizabeth, Avril, Maddrell, Kate, McLoughlin, and Alana, Vincent. 2010. Memory, Landscape. ix. Brill Academic Pub.Search in Google Scholar
Andrews, Malcolm. 2019. Landscape and Western Art. Translated by Zhang Xiang. Shanghai: Shanghai People’s Publishing House.Search in Google Scholar
Cresswell, Tim. 2006. Place: A Short Introduction. Translated by Wang Zhihong and Xu Tailing. Taipei: Socio Publishing Co. Ltd.Search in Google Scholar
Da, Peng, and Dan Sha. 2023. ““Duihua Da Peng: Dianying Jiushi Wode Neixin Toushe” [“A Conversation with Da Peng-Film as a Projection of My Inner Self”].” Contemporary Cinema (12).Search in Google Scholar
Deep, Focus and Xiaogang Gu. 2020.“Chunjiang Shuinuan’ Yichang Fuchunjiang Shang De Shijian Youxi” [“Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains’—— A Game about Time by the Fuchun River”].” Paike: Deep Focus Art and Literature, August 29. https://m.thepaper.cn/baijiahao_8919559.Search in Google Scholar
Ellis, Carolyn, and Arthur P. Bochner. 2007. “Zuowei Zhuti De Yanjiuzhe- Ziwo Minzuzhi, Geti Xushi, Zifanxing. [As Principal Researchers- Auto-ethnography, Personal Narrative, Reflexivity: Researcher as Subject].” Dingxing Yanjiu- Ziliao Shouji Yu Fenxi De Fangfa(Disan Juan) [Handbook of Qualitative Research-Experienced Materials Collection and Method of Analyzing(Volume Three)], edited by Denzin. Translated by Feng Xiaotian, et al.., 786. Chongqing: Chonqing University Press.Search in Google Scholar
Geng, Jun, and Wenxue Shi. 2022. “Xugou De ‘Hegang Guo’, Xianshi De Yulunchang- Dianying ‘Dongbeihu’ Daoyan Fangtan” [“The Fictional ‘Hegang Nation’ and the Real World of Public Discourses: An Interview with Geng Jun, Director of Manchurian Tiger ”].” New Films (1).Search in Google Scholar
Gu, Xiaogang, and Qiqi Su. 2020. ““Chunjiang Shuinuan: Jinrun Chuantong Meixue De ‘Shidai Renwu Fengwuzhi’- Gu Xiaogang Fangtan ” [“ ‘Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains’ – ‘A Chronicle of Contemporary Figures and Scenery’ Steeped in Traditional Aesthetics — An Interview with Gu Xiaogang”].” Film Art (5).Search in Google Scholar
Gyal, Sonthar, Cui Chen, and Yang Shuhan. 2023. ““ ‘Wo Congbu Ganshe Renwu Ziji De Mingyun’- ‘Lamo Yu Gabei’ ”[“ ‘I Never Interfer with the Fate of the Characters’ – ‘Lhamo and Gabei’ ” ].” New Films (1).Search in Google Scholar
Huang, Yali. 2021. ““Kongjian Xushi Xia Shengming Zuobiao De Xunzhao” [“The Search for Life Coordinates in Spatial Narratives: On the Realistic Significance of Chen Mingpan’s Hometown Series of Growth Writing”].” Journal of Literature and Language, University of Taipei (24).Search in Google Scholar
Huo, Meng, Hang Ye, and Zongyuan Yang. 2019. ““ ‘Zailushang De Lishi Yinji — ‘Guo Shaoguan’Daoyan Huomeng Fangtan” [“Historical Imprints ‘On the Road’: An Interview with Huo Meng, Director of Crossing Border—Zhaoguan”].” Journal of Beijing Film Academy (6).Search in Google Scholar
Jiang, Chengyong. 2019. ““Shijiu Shiji Xianshizhuyi ‘Xieshi’ Chuantong Jiqi Dangdai Jiazhi ” [“The ‘Realist’ Tradition of Nineteenth-Century Realism and its Contemporary Value”].” Social Sciences in China (2).Search in Google Scholar
Lai, Xiuyu. 2021. ““Shijue Xitong Yu Taiwan ‘Chaoxianshi’ Shifeng De Kuameijie Shijian” [“Visual Systems and the Intermediary Practice of Taiwan’s ‘Surrealist’ Poetic Style”].” Literary Review (6).Search in Google Scholar
Li, Ruijun, and Gang Chen. 2022. ““Liucun Zai Shengming Zhong De Shijian Huahen — Li Ruijun Tan ‘Yinru Chenyan’ De Daoyan Chuangzuo” [“Preserving the Scars in Life — Ruijun Li Talks About Directoral Creation based on the film Return to the Dust ”].” New Films (3).Search in Google Scholar
Li, Miao, and Keying Li. 2019. ““Zangdi Yingxiang Qumei De Xinling Zhilv: Ping ‘AlaJiangse’ ” [A Spiritual Journey of Disenchantment in Tibetan Cinema: A Review of ‘Ala Changso’].” New Films (2).Search in Google Scholar
Li, Ruijun, and Pengjie Zhu. 2016. ““Bei Hushi De Xiangtu Zhongguo: Li Ruijun Fangtan” [“The Ignored Rural China: Interview with Ruijun Li”].” New Films (2).Search in Google Scholar
Liang, Ming, Xingchen Lv, and Bo Cheng. 2024. ““Cong ‘Riguang Zhixia’ Dao ‘Xiaoyaoyou’ – Zhaoxun Richang Shenghuo De Qiguan Yu Shiyi – Liang Ming, Lv Xingchen Fangtan” [“From ’Wisdom Tooth’ to ‘Carefree Days’: Searching Spectacles and Poetic Meaning in Everyday Life- An Interview with Liang Ming and Lv Xingchen ”].” New Films (1).Search in Google Scholar
Liu, Jiayin, and Fan Hong. 2023. ““Qingting Jiayin Buxu Cixing- Daoyan Liu Jiayin Zhuanfang” [Listening Carefully to Liu Jiayin- A Worthwhile Journey- An Exclusive Interview with Director Liu Jiayin].” New Films (4).Search in Google Scholar
Lu, Jianhong. 2012. “ ‘Xiangchou’ De Meixue — Lun Zhongguo Xiandai Wenxue De ‘Guxiang Shuxie’ ”[“The Aesthetics of ‘Nostalgia’: On the ‘Hometown Writing’ in Modern Chinese Literature”].” Journal of South China Normal University (Social Sciences Edition), (1): 81–89.Search in Google Scholar
Mou, Zongsan. 2005. Shengming De Xuewen. [The Inquiry into Life]. Guilin: Guangxi Normal University Press.Search in Google Scholar
Muyan. 2018. “Dujia Zhuanfang Bi Gan- ‘Diqiu Zuihou De Yewan’, Yiban Shi Jiyi, Yiban Shi Yingsu” [“Exclusive Interview with Bi Gan: Long Day’s Journey into Night — Half Memory, Half Poppy”]. ELLEMAN WeChat Official Accounts (accessed May 16, 2024).Search in Google Scholar
Nora, Pierre. 2014. Ruin Memories: Materiality, Aesthetics and the Archaeology of the Recent Past, Vol. 9, edited by Bjornar Olsen, and Pora Petursdottir. London: Routledge.Search in Google Scholar
Rao, Xiaozhi, and Yun Lin. 2023. ““Yu Renwu ‘Gongqing’ De Dianying Chuangzuo Lujing — Rao Xiaozhi Daoyan Fangtan” [“The Film Creation Approach of ‘Empathizing with the Characters:Interview with Rao Xiaozhi’”].” Contemporary Cinema (2).Search in Google Scholar
Representative “Homeland” New Directors were Compiled and Listed in Alphabetical Order by Surname. The Data and Information were Sourced from Digital Online Platforms such as Douban and Maoyan Pro App. Box Office Figures are Accurate as of July 9, 2024.Search in Google Scholar
Rose, Gillian. 2017. Visual Methodologies: An Introduction to Researching with Visual Materials. Translated by Xiao Weisheng. Chongqing: Chongqing University Press.Search in Google Scholar
Schama, Simon. 2013. Landscape and Memory. Translated by Hu Shuchen, Feng Xi. Nanjing: Yillin Press.Search in Google Scholar
Song, Fagang, and Xiaowei Li. 2024. “Dianying Gongye Tixi Xia Xin Daoyan De Shengchan Moshi Yu Lunli Xushi Yanjiu” [“An Exploration of the Production Models and Ethical Narratives of New Directors under the Film Industry System”].” New Films (1).Search in Google Scholar
Tao, Dongfeng, Yuanpu Jin, and Bingzhong Gao. 2002. Wenhua Yanjiu Disanji. [Culture Studies (Vol. 3)]. Tianjin: Tianjin Social Sciences Press.Search in Google Scholar
Tseden, Pema, and Ren Li. 2006. ““Jingjing De Ma Ne Shi — Wanmacaidan Fangtan” [“The Silent Holy Stones — Interview with Pema Tseden”].” Film Art (1).Search in Google Scholar
Tseden, Pema, and Ruiwen Bai. 2023. ““Xiang yizhen Feng, Liuxia Juechang” [“Like a Gust of Wind, Leaving a Masterpiece Behind”].” Dushu (8).Search in Google Scholar
Wang, David Der-wei. 1998. Xiangxiang Zhongguo De Fangfa: Lishi·Xiaoshuo·Xushi [Methods of Imaging China: History, Fiction, Narrative]. Beijing: SDX Publishing Company.Search in Google Scholar
Wang, Lijun. 2005. “Zhongguo Xiandai Wenxue Zhong De Ertong Shijiao” [“The Child’s Perspective in Modern Chinese Literature”].” Literary Review (6).Search in Google Scholar
Wang, Hui. 2015. “Bieyang De Zaichang Yu Shuxie- Lun Jinnian Nvxing Feixugou Wenxue Xiezuo” [“A Distinct Presence and Writing: On Recent Women’s Non-Fiction Literary Works”].” Literary Review (5).Search in Google Scholar
Xie, Youshun. 2008. “Xiezuo Shi Chaoxiang Guxiang De Yici Jingshen Zhagen” [“Writing Is a Spiritual Enrooting toward the Hometown”.” Yangtze River Review (5).Search in Google Scholar
Xinhua News Agency. 2016. “Zhuanfang Jinmajiang Zuijia Juqingpian ‘Bayue’ Daoyan Zhang Dalei” [“An Exclusive Interview with Dalei Zhang —The Director of the Best Feature Film of The Golden Horse Awards The Summer is Gone ”]. November 28, 2016. https://m.haiwainet.cn/middle/3541083/2016/1128/content_30526080_1.htm (accessed April 28, 2024).Search in Google Scholar
Yang, Yi. 2007. Chonghui Zhongguo Wenxue Ditu Tongshi [A Comprehensive Interpretation of Redrawing Chinese Literature]. Beijing: Contemporary China Publishing House.Search in Google Scholar
Yu, Hua, and Wang Yao. 2002. “Geren De Jiyi Jueding Le Ta De Xiezuo Fangxiang [“Personal Memory Determines the Direction of His Writing”].” Contemporary Writers Review (4).Search in Google Scholar
Zeng, Yiguo. 2009. “Guxiang: Zuowei Yizhong ‘Xiandai Shenhua’ — Guanyu Zhongguo Xiandai Wenxue Zuopin Zhong De Guxiang” [“Hometown: As a ‘Modern Myth’ — On ‘Hometown’ in Modern Chinese Literary Works”].” Masterpieces Review (3).Search in Google Scholar
Zhang, Ning. 1990. “Xungen Yizu yu Yuanxiang Zhuti De Bianxing — Moyan、Han Shaogong、Liu Heng de Xiaoshuo” [“The Deformation of the ‘Root-Seeking’ Theme and the Nostalgic Homeland in the Novels of Mo Yan, Han Shaogong, and Liu Heng”].” Chinese and Foreign Literature 18 (8): 155.Search in Google Scholar
Zhang, Dalei, and Chun Li. 2017. ““ ‘Zhebu Dianying Qishi Jiuxiang Wo De Yichang Bairimeng’ – ’ Bayue’ Daoyan Zhang Dalei Fangtan” [“Interview with Zhang Dalei, Director of Film The Summer is Gone – This Film is Just Like one of my Daydreams”].” Contemporary Cinema (5).Search in Google Scholar
Zhou, Zuoren. 2009. Difang Yu Wenyi. [The Relationship Between Place and Literature] in Zhou Zuoren Sanwen Quanji [The Complete Collection of Zhou Zuoren’s Essays], edited by Zhong Shuhe. Guilin: Guanhgxi Normal University Press.Search in Google Scholar
Zhuang, Jun, and Meng Xu. 2024. “Youxi Ruying· Leixing Qiaoliang· Xinzhuliu Shuxie- Xinshili Daoyan Rao Xiaozhi Chuangzuolujing Tan” [“From Theater to Film, Bridging Genres, and New Mainstream Writing: A Discussion on the Creative Path of New Director Rao Xiaozhi”].” New Films (1).Search in Google Scholar
Postscript
The original Chinese article entitled 风景与记忆: 新导演的原乡叙事与空间记忆 was published in Dangdai Dianying 当代电影 (Contemporary Cinema) 2024(11): 27–34Search in Google Scholar
© 2025 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston
Articles in the same Issue
- Frontmatter
- Research Articles
- A Memorandum of the Chinese Film Industry in 2024
- Xie Jin: A Distinguished Pioneer of the Mind-Nature Realism Film Paradigm
- Balanced Harmony: Aesthetic Realms in Chinese Film
- “Aspiration” and “Rhetoric”: Lyric Aesthetics of Chinese Small-Town Films
- The Cinematic Representation of the Factory Zone by Young Directors in the 21st Century
- From Drama to Film, as a Genre Bridge and New Main Melody Narrator – A Discussion on the Creation Path of Up-and-Coming Director Rao Xiaozhi
- Landscape and Memory: Homeland Narratives and Space Production of New Directors
- Interview
- Contemporary Traditional Cultural Philosophy and Re-Creation: Interview with Huo Tingxiao
- Film Reviews
- A Tapestry of a Legendary Land: the Flow and Fluidity of Beauty of Chinese Culture
- Searchlight or Scalpel? The Value and Expectancy of Upstream
Articles in the same Issue
- Frontmatter
- Research Articles
- A Memorandum of the Chinese Film Industry in 2024
- Xie Jin: A Distinguished Pioneer of the Mind-Nature Realism Film Paradigm
- Balanced Harmony: Aesthetic Realms in Chinese Film
- “Aspiration” and “Rhetoric”: Lyric Aesthetics of Chinese Small-Town Films
- The Cinematic Representation of the Factory Zone by Young Directors in the 21st Century
- From Drama to Film, as a Genre Bridge and New Main Melody Narrator – A Discussion on the Creation Path of Up-and-Coming Director Rao Xiaozhi
- Landscape and Memory: Homeland Narratives and Space Production of New Directors
- Interview
- Contemporary Traditional Cultural Philosophy and Re-Creation: Interview with Huo Tingxiao
- Film Reviews
- A Tapestry of a Legendary Land: the Flow and Fluidity of Beauty of Chinese Culture
- Searchlight or Scalpel? The Value and Expectancy of Upstream