Film brings life to youngest village Party secretary's story

In June 1966, after graduating from junior high school, Mao Yongkuan returned to his hometown of Youyu county in Shanxi province. At 21 years old, he was appointed Party secretary of Weiyuan village, becoming the youngest person in the county's history to hold the position. Over the next seven years, Mao worked diligently with local villagers to improve the ecological environment and develop the local economy.

During that period, he helped establish a range of facilities in the village — from a vinegar brewery and carpentry workshop to a tractor station and clinic. Tragically, Mao succumbed to illness at the age of 28, his health deteriorating due to overworking himself for years. On the day of his funeral, villagers gathered in mourning, with many moved to tears.

For decades, Mao has been honored in Youyu county as a model of noble spirit and selfless dedication. His story is now being retold in the biographical film The Story of the Shovel.

A promotional event for the film was held at a downtown Beijing cinema on Thursday, attended by screenwriter Hao Jingjing, who is also an associate professor at Shanxi University, and actress Yu Haoyang.

Hao shared that she visited Youyu county multiple times during the preparation phase, studying historical records, local chronicles and Mao's personal notes, in addition to interviewing dozens of local officials and residents.

The 93-minute film is scheduled to be released on Nov 3 through the People's Cinema Chain, a platform specializing in showcasing mainstream films.