Plateau rail workers' lives documented in noted film

The domestic film Kaixinling Station, the first to focus on the theme of plateau railways, has earned major recognition at the Asia International Film Festival, winning the Best Feature Film Award, according to China Railway Qinghai-Xizang Group.

The film was praised for its deep spiritual resonance and exceptional artistic quality, shining a spotlight on the lives of railway signal workers on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

According to the group, the film has some rare distinctions in Chinese cinema: it was filmed on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, it features railway workers and cadres, and the plot is based on real-life stories from the group's employees.

Adding to its acclaim, lead actor Wu Gang was honored with the Outstanding Asian Actor Award for his compelling performance in the film. The accolades help cement Kaixinling Station as a groundbreaking cinematic tribute to the dedication and perseverance of China's plateau railway workers.

Last month, a special viewing and discussion session on Kaixinling Station was held in Beijing, where experts and scholars from film and academic circles lauded the movie for its realism, cultural importance, and artistic merit.

Shot entirely on location on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and completed earlier this year, the movie highlights Kaixinling Station's signal work area at an altitude of 4,200 meters.

It vividly portrays the challenging daily lives of railway signal workers in extreme conditions, dramatizing emergencies such as snowstorms to emphasize their vital yet often-overlooked role.

The film follows Yang Zhenshan, a veteran soldier who, after participating in the historic construction of the Qinghai-Xizang Railway, chose to stay and serve as a signal worker on the plateau.

Over three decades, Yang's perseverance and devotion embody the spirit of "challenging limits and striving for excellence" — a legacy he passes down to his apprentice, Diwu Xiaojun, a retired soldier.

Through its intergenerational narrative, Kaixinling Station explores themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment, offering audiences a moving portrait of dedication to one's work and ideals.

Rao Shuguang, president of the China Film Critics Association, describes Kaixinling Station as "a film that exudes warmth, faith, and profound humanistic values".

He commends its artistic representation of the Qinghai-Xizang Railway's spirit and the depth of its characterizations, which make the protagonists relatable and impactful.

"The blend of stunning natural scenery, heartfelt performances, and a moving musical score enhances the film's emotional impact," Rao says.

Qin Weiqing, deputy Party secretary of the China Railway Qinghai-Xizang Group and executive producer of Kaixinling Station, expressed his pride in the project.

"This film is a heartfelt homage to the spirit of the Qinghai-Xizang Railway and the workers who dedicate a lifetime to their posts," Qin says.

"It highlights the perseverance, sacrifice, and commitment of plateau railway workers, bridging the gap between the audience and the stories of these unsung heroes."

palden_nyima@chinadaily.com.cn