Beijing—The directors of the film “A Tapestry of a Legendary Land” recently embarked on a tour of schools in Beijing, bringing the captivating story of ancient painter Wang Ximeng to the city’s youth.
Engaging over 1,000 teachers and students from the Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications and its affiliated middle and primary schools, the directors screened their film and discussed the remarkable legacy of Wang Ximeng, the Northern Song period (960-1127) prodigy who created the 12-meter-long landscape masterpiece “One Thousand Li of Rivers and Mountains.”
Director Zhou Liya shared her vision with the students, saying, “This is our first attempt to depict our landscapes, including rivers and mountains, through a female character; and through her eyes.” The film aims to present the majestic beauty of China’s natural landscapes from a fresh perspective.
The team also visited the Foreign Language Experimental School in Haidian District, where director Han Zhen addressed over 400 students. She emphasized the profound impact of traditional Chinese culture, stating, “Chinese traditional culture, especially in landscape painting, carries immense energy. A moviegoer once commented that Wang Ximeng is like the conqueror of the landscape, standing alone among the mountains with brush in hand, commanding the entire scene. This reflects the spirit of Chinese youth.”
These visits are part of an initiative to promote aesthetic education through cinema, inspiring young people to connect with their cultural heritage and appreciate the timeless art of landscape painting. By bringing “A Tapestry of a Legendary Land” directly to students, the directors hope to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of China’s rich artistic traditions.
As the students immersed themselves in the story of Wang Ximeng, they were encouraged to explore their creativity and embrace the spirit of innovation that has defined Chinese art for centuries.
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Aesthetic education through film 'A Tapestry of a Legendary Land'
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