Yichang film headed for Cannes

By Li Caiyun, Yichang International Communication Studio

The feature film "Take Me A Far" made history recently. It is the first independent production from Yichang to be selected for the 10th La Femme Film Festival in Cannes, France, and one of only three films from across China that made the cut.

The film "Take Me A Far" is an inspiring story that follows Lin Bingqing, a disabled girl who courageously pursues her dream, reflecting themes of youth, love, and self-improvement among the disabled community.

According to screenwriter Yu Yaqin, the film draws inspiration from the life of Li Yujie, a Yidu native born in 1990. Li Yujie battled rheumatoid disease from age 7, unfortunately causing her to leave school at the age of 14.

Despite facing immense difficulties, Li Yujie's perseverance shined through. Using just two flexible fingers, she penned a 250,000-word book titled "Dream above 110cm," inspiring readers to reach for their dreams. She also established a studio offering free psychological counseling to minors nationwide through letters, phone calls, and the Internet.

Since 2007, Li has delivered over 120 voluntary speeches to students and others in her province, earning her the title of a "national self-improvement model.”

Besides, the film is full of strong local characteristics of Yichang.  The audience across the world will get to know the Hejiang Tower, Three Gorges Dam, Liantuo Bridge, and Wujiagang Business District through this film.

Upon learning that the film had gone international, the screenwriter Yu Yaqin, also a teacher in Yichang, expressed both excitement and a sense of guilt for not being able to capture all the touching details of the girl's indomitable spirit. She expressed hope that Yichang would host more events in the future to tap into the potential of its burgeoning film and television industry, given the city's rich pool of talented creators and enthusiasts.