Global premiere of documentary 'China's Secret Garden-Suzhou' starts today

As a highlight of the "Jiangnan in Light and Shadow" segment at the 8th Jiangnan Culture and Arts & International Tourism Festival, the documentary China's Secret Garden-Suzhou premiered globally today (April 28) at the Jiangnan Branch of the China Film Archive. Following the screening, director Xiao Han and special guest Chen Feiyu engaged in an in-depth interactive session with the audience.

The documentary focuses on China's intangible cultural heritage (ICH), capturing the journey of young actor Chen Feiyu as an apprentice. Through his immersive experiences with masters of Kunqu Opera, Pingtan, Suzhou embroidery, Biluochun tea, and imperial kiln bricks, the film reveals the authentic stories of Suzhou's ICH artisans. By highlighting extraordinary dedication in ordinary lives, it showcases the vitality and warmth of traditional handicrafts in modern life.

The documentary was screened at the opening ceremony of "Meet Jiangnan in Hong Kong: Suzhou ICH-Themed Film Screening" in Hong Kong on April 16.

Additionally, in September 2025, the film toured Europe with promotional events in Paris, Venice, and Milan. As a featured project of the "China Week" at the 2025 Paris Design Week, it won the "Special Award for ICH Cultural Communication." Read more.

It was also the sole documentary selected for the Celebrating Chinese Cinema event at the 82nd Venice Film Festival and was included in the official celebrations marking the 45th anniversary of the sister-city relationship between Suzhou and Venice. Read more .

Source: WeChat ID: gh_15e9554a1021 ( 苏州艺术人文影院联盟 ), WeChat ID: gh_93903f36e765 (我在苏州学非遗)