Director: Fei Yu (飛魚)
Screenwriters: Liao Feiyu, Xiong Hui, Xie Xun
Genre: Feature Film
Runtime: 98 minutes
Year of Release: 2023
Synopsis:
In a remote mountain village in Yunnan, China, two sisters set out on a long journey in search of their missing mother. Along the way, they cross paths with an alcoholic fruit vendor, and together—each driven by their own dreams—they form an unlikely rooftop soccer team. Through perseverance and courage, the children face hardship head-on and ultimately grow against the odds.
This inspiring story follows the girls of the mountains as they fight for agency over their own destinies and earn respect through passion and resilience. With its distinctive sports cinematography and poetic, childlike romanticism, the film vividly captures the rhythms of mountain life. Its rich, saturated colors evoke a sense of freedom and vitality, reflecting the optimism, confidence, and open-hearted spirit of these young dreamers.
Awards & Honors:
2024 – Best Children’s Film, 37th China Golden Rooster Awards
2024 – Grand Jury Prize for Best Children’s Film, 36th Vienna International Film Festival
2024 – Nominated for Best Directorial Debut, 37th Golden Rooster Awards
2024 – Nominated for Best Art Direction, 37th Golden Rooster Awards
2024 – Nominated for Best Original Score, 37th Golden Rooster Awards
2024 – Nominated for Best Children’s Film, 37th Golden Rooster Awards
2021 – Special Jury Recommendation Award, 34th China Golden Rooster Film Venture Conference
2023 – Golden Rooster Dawn Honor Award, 5th Anniversary of the Golden Rooster Film Venture Project
2024 – Selected as a Yunnan Cultural Excellence Project (5th “Five-One Project” for Spiritual Civilization)
2024 – Golden Elephant Honor Award, 6th Lancang-Mekong International Film Week
2025 – Opening Film (Children’s Section), 23rd Fire Spirit International Film Festival, Russia