Imagine a village where rice paddies double as film sets and farmers moonlight as actors. Welcome to Jingcheng, a small town in the Chinese mainland where over 20,000 residents have starred in 80+ movies and TV series thanks to a grassroots nonprofit film crew operating for three decades.
Founded in the 1990s, the initiative transforms everyday lives into storytelling gold. Villagers juggle farming by day and filming by night, with projects often spotlighting rural traditions and local culture. 'I never dreamed I’d act alongside professionals,' says Zhao Min, a tea grower who appeared in a historical drama viewed by millions.
The crew’s work has boosted tourism and preserved fading customs, drawing interest from global filmmakers. With streaming platforms now partnering on projects, Jingcheng offers a blueprint for blending art with community empowerment—and proving talent thrives far beyond Hollywood.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
