The highly anticipated feature film Shanghai Daughter, directed by Agnis Shen Zhongmin, has unveiled its first trailer. The film is set to premiere in the Panorama section of the 2026 Berlin International Film Festival. It delves into themes of heritage, identity, and ecology within the context of modern China.
The narrative follows Ming, a woman from Shanghai who embarks on a journey to a rubber tree plantation in Xishuangbanna, located in southwestern China. Her quest is personal; she seeks to uncover the stories of those who knew her late father during the Cultural Revolution and the Down to the Countryside Movement that took place fifty years ago. As industrialization transforms the landscape, with old production team houses facing demolition, Ming encounters a diverse array of characters, including a farm officer, a rural doctor, a Dai elder, a rubber tapper, a young ecologist, and a mysterious woman connected to her past.
Agnis Shen Zhongmin’s personal narrative
Shen Zhongmin draws from her own experiences to craft this poignant story. “The seed of this film was planted fourteen years ago, following my father’s death from illness. His absence propelled me to explore this remote tropical region alone, seeking clarity and connection,” she remarked. This personal connection has led her to revisit the area multiple times, developing lasting relationships with the land and its inhabitants.
Thematic exploration of ecofeminism
Shen Zhongmin emphasizes that the film transcends her family’s history, delving into themes of ecofeminism and significant historical events that have influenced contemporary China. She describes her work as an exploration of a non-dual realm, where the lines between fiction and documentary blur, as do the distinctions between private and public experiences. This approach is realized through a meditative cinematic language that encourages audiences to reflect on their connections to the environment and society.
Realism through non-actors
The film’s authenticity is enhanced by the inclusion of non-professional actors alongside lead actress Liang Cuishan. Cuishan has previously showcased her talent in acclaimed films such as Cloud in Her Room, which won the Golden Tiger Award at the International Film Festival Rotterdam, and Till Love Do Us Part, featured at the Pingyao International Film Festival. Shen Zhongmin asserts that the landscapes, flora, and fauna of southwestern China are integral to the narrative, acting as silent characters that deepen the film’s emotional resonance.
“I aim for audiences to be enveloped in a visceral geographical space,” Shen Zhongmin explains. “I want them to walk alongside the characters, to observe, listen, and truly feel the essence of this land.” The film’s profound connection to its setting underscores Shen Zhongmin’s commitment to capturing the spirit of the region.
Background of the director
Shen Zhongmin’s multifaceted background enriches her directorial vision. An accomplished writer, she has authored several short story collections, including Notes on Shanghai Geography, Deep Simulator, and A Traveler’s Desire. She holds a degree in film directing and screenwriting from Tongji University. Prior to filmmaking, she gained experience as a journalist and newspaper editor, later expanding her creative endeavors into contemporary art, literature, and cinema.
Producers Xu Ruijing and Liao Yong from Twelve Oaks, along with cinematographer Pu Wei and sound supervisor Dukar Tserang, contribute their expertise to the project, which was previously showcased in the work-in-progress section of the 2026 Shanghai International Film Festival. The film, shot in both Mandarin Chinese and the Dai dialect, aims to resonate with a global audience. Parallax Films is managing international sales for this impactful debut.
The trailer for Shanghai Daughter is now available, inviting viewers to embark on a journey of discovery and reflection.