LAST HARVEST

My overarching intent as a filmmaker is to give voice to the marginalized and to explore the evolution of identities in response to changing social contexts. Born and raised in Wuhan, I immigrated as an adult to Canada in 2001, a life-altering decision that has fostered a unique perspective that I draw on to produce deep and nuanced documentary storytelling. My ultimate goal as an artist is to develop a body of work that explores contemporary and historical issues in China with international relevance and resonance from a simultaneously insider and outsider perspective.

 

I hope to explore three main themes in my first feature-length documentary Last Harvest:

       - How individuals face changes in life.

       - The conflict between individuals and society.

       - The conflict between traditional farming culture and modernization.

 

Throughout the course of history, countless individuals have made sacrifices for the 

“greater good.” Except for a few “heroes” and “antiheroes”, most of them have been ignored by history. By taking on this project and focusing the film on the lives of ordinary people 

caught in an extraordinary circumstance, represented by Mr. and Mrs. Xu, I am hoping to 

give them a voice so that more people in our society will become aware of the sacrifices they have made, which is part of the price we are paying for the so-called progress, and more 

importantly, start asking questions about the values we tend to take for granted in our 

modern society. 

 

As a filmmaker, I feel that it is my responsibility to give a real sense of the Xus’ life as well as their loss and struggles. What I experienced during the making of Last Harvest has deeply

affected me. On the one hand, the fact that the Xus have been bearing the whole thing 

patiently demonstrates their resilience. In the 21st century where personal, individual 

freedom and rights have never been more celebrated, the Xus had no options but to 

passively choose to accept a state act silently. However, they have stayed positive in the face of a new environment. This attitude and strength demonstrated in times of difficulty have 

deeply moved me. On the other hand, the Xus’ frugal ways of living has made me reflect on 

our modern civilization. By 2015, China has become the biggest nation of money worshipers 

and the world’s largest consumer of luxury goods. While many Chinese people are materialistic and only worried about their house not being big enough, their home

decoration not luxury enough, and their car not impressive enough, the Xus are contented 

living a very simple life. What modern civilization has given us is not too little of anything,

but too much of everything. 

 

By taking them on the journey with the Xus and showing them a different way of life, I am 

hoping that this film will stimulate thoughts and conversations among the audiences, and 

encourage them to reflect on and have a better understanding of their own life.

 

(Jane) Hui Wang