Eight-year-old Gong Youbin discovers poetry at his village school, using it to express his emotions and navigate the challenges of rural life in Hunan.
Synopsis
Eight-year-old Gong Youbin discovers poetry at his village school, using it to express his emotions and navigate the challenges of rural life in Hunan.
Synopsis
Eight-year-old Gong Youbin lives in a rural village in Hunan, China, with his father and grandparents. His mother left when he was three months old. At school, Youbin discovers poetry, which becomes a means for him to express his thoughts and feelings. Over seven years, director Deming Chen documents Youbin's growth from childhood to adolescence. The film captures the beauty of everyday life and the role of education in a rural community. Always premiered at CPH:DOX on March 15, 2025.
Deep Dive
Why Watch
- See Gong Youbin's poetic expression in rural Hunan.
- Meet Deming Chen, an emerging voice in documentary filmmaking.
- Find out how a family navigates life in rural China.
Did You Know
- Gong Youbin was eight years old when filming began in 2018.
- The film premiered at CPH:DOX on March 15, 2025.
- Always won the top prize at CPH:DOX in 2025.
- The film was produced as a co-production between four countries: the US, France, China, and Taiwan.
- It received funding support from multiple organizations including IDA and CNC.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who directed the documentary Always?
Always was directed by Deming Chen.
What awards did Always win?
Always won the top prize at CPH:DOX and the Best Picture Prize at the Jeonju International Film Festival.
When did Always have its world premiere?
Always had its world premiere on 15 March 2025 at CPH:DOX.
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