On the edge of the Gobi Desert in Northwest China, Lang returns to his hometown after being released from jail. While working for the local stray dog patrol team, clearing the town before the 2008 Olympic Games, he strikes up an unlikely connection with a black dog. These two lonely souls now embark on a new journey together.
The first Chinese film in a decade to be longlisted at the BAFTA Film Awards and the winner of the Un Certain Regard Prize at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, Black Dog has made history as the first Chinese-language film in 18 years to claim an award in the Un Certain Regard strand. Additionally, Xin, the Jack Russell-greyhound cross who stars as the lead canine, received the Grand Jury Prize at the Palm Dog Award.
Directed by Guan Hu and brought to life through the lens of Director of Photography Gao Weizhe, Black Dog employs sweeping wide and long shots to evoke the immense vastness of nature, contrasting the insignificance of humanity with the resilience of the human spirit. It vividly captures the unique natural phenomena of Northwest China – such as hailstorms and solar eclipses – while intricately weaving in the historical context of 2008, a year defined by the pre-Beijing Olympics campaign to clear stray dogs and extensive housing relocations.
“The splendid desolation of the vision of China makes the film’s feelgood belly-rubs feel all the more vital”
“Resonant, visually resplendent”
In Mandarin
with English subtitles
This film is showing as part of the Chiltern Film Society season. Showings are open to non-members. Seating is unreserved – simply purchase a ticket and choose your seat when you arrive.
