The Chinese–Iranian co-production “Chang’an, Xi’an,” directed by Zhang Zhong, was introduced during a press conference held on Saturday, 29 November, at Honar Shahr Aftab Cineplex in Shiraz. Screening in the Eastern Vista competition section of the 43rd Fajr International Film Festival, the film moves across different time periods, beginning in the 1960s when aid groups arrive in Xinjiang to reclaim desert lands, and continuing decades later as a new generation confronts a cotton crisis.
Through a multi-generational narrative, the film explores endurance, memory, and hope, carried forward by individuals whose lifelong dedication shapes the future. The film stars Cao Jun, Alima, Chen Sisi, Aliya Makelibai, and Bansile, and is written by renowned Iranian filmmaker and screenwriter Narges Abyar.
At the beginning of the session, Zhang Zhong introduced himself and spoke about the origins of the project, saying, “I am from Beijing, and I work as a filmmaker and a university professor. This film is the first work I have produced in collaboration with Iran.” He explained that the title of the film is rooted in geography and history, noting, “The city of Xi’an is connected to the Silk Road, and for this reason its name was used in the title of the film.”
Elaborating on the concept behind “Chang’an, Xi’an,” Zhang described the project as a landmark moment in cultural exchange. “This film is the first collaboration between Iran and China in the field of cinema and filmmaking,” he said, adding that the title was chosen to reflect the long-standing ties between the two countries. “Iran and China have close relationships in many areas, and the title expresses this historical and cultural connection.”
Zhang went on to emphasize the shared civilizational background of the two nations, stating, “Iran and China both possess ancient civilizations that have been connected to each other since very distant times, and fortunately these close relations have been preserved.” He highlighted the strong Iranian contribution to the production, explaining, “In this film, key crew members such as the cinematographer, screenwriter, and sound designer were Iranian. In addition, Narges Abyar, a prominent Iranian writer and filmmaker, wrote the screenplay.”
Reflecting on his collaboration with Abyar, Zhang detailed how the partnership took shape. “At first, we contacted each other online, and then Ms. Abyar traveled to China, where the final negotiations continued,” he said. “She wrote the screenplay in Persian, and afterward it was translated into Chinese.”
Addressing the film’s narrative framework, Zhang explained that “Chang’an, Xi’an” is structured around three storylines. “The film has three narrative lines, and the first one is formed within a romantic relationship,” he said. He described the film as an invitation for the audience to gradually uncover hidden layers of reality, adding, “The film acts like a window that introduces the audience to deeper truths.”
He further elaborated on the central character, noting that the protagonist is a woman whose emotional and social struggles are carefully developed. “In shaping this character, Ms. Abyar paid special attention to women’s emotional and social challenges,” Zhang said. He explained that the narrative gradually shifts perspective, as “the main character revisits old memories, and by the end, we realize her mental illness and the dreamlike nature of her thoughts.”
From a transnational cultural perspective, Zhang underlined the film’s effort to reflect both Iranian and Chinese traditions. “If we look at the film from a cultural point of view, both Iran and China are present at the core of the narrative,” he said. He referred to Peking Opera as one of the cultural elements woven into the film, explaining, “Peking Opera has distinctive makeup and music and resembles Iranian naqqali in its performative form. Because of this ancient culture, I tried to make a reference to it in the film.”
In closing, Zhang spoke warmly about his experience working with Iranian filmmakers. “I have collaborated with many countries such as Kazakhstan, Russia, North Korea, and others, and it was an honor for me to work with Iran,” he said. Praising Iranian professionals, he added, “Iranians have wonderful personalities and are very professional in their work. Iranian films are well known worldwide and have a strong emotional impact on audiences.” He concluded by expressing his personal connection to the country, saying, “I am very fond of Iran, and I am happy to be participating in the Fajr International Film Festival.”
The 43rd Fajr International Film Festival is currently underway in Shiraz.
