Chinese Mainland Film Panorama 2026: "Laughing to Die"

Director & Screenwriter: Zhang Tao Cinematographers: Wu Zhuo, Chen Xiang Cast: Yu Fengyun, Wang Shilan, Li Baoming Produced by Different Imaging Film Industry (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Huace Film (Tianjin) Co., Ltd. 2015 | Colour | 108′ In Putonghua with Chinese and English subtitles Short Film after the Feature Best Narrative Feature, Best Director, The 10th FIRST International Film Festival Official Selection, ACID, The 70th Cannes Film Festival When old age becomes a burden, how much pressure can family love survive? Director Zhang Tao calmly looks at the final years of an elderly woman living alone in a rural village. The film shows how traditional family values are disappearing as the country changes. Performed entirely by non-professional actors, the film exposes the painful realities of conflicts. It is a story about growing old, dignity, and duty. The feature grew out of Zhang Tao’s short film of the same name, Laughing to Die (30′). While the short film quickly shows the loneliness of old age, the feature adds more everyday details. It takes a deeper look at the helpless and selfish of younger generation. Moving from a short film to a feature makes the story feel even more real and powerful.