【OPENING FILM】Scholars Under Fire
2025 Shanghai International Film Festival Entry
In winter 1944, as the Japanese army advanced toward Pingshi in northern Guangdong, National Sun Yat-sen University was forced to relocate again. In his late fifties, Professor Huang Jiyu, Head of the Mathematics Department, resolved to enlighten his students to the power of knowledge in saving the country. He took in Qiu Yang, a gifted Hong Kong student. When Qiu enlisted in the ar ..my only to find himself deceived, Huang went all out to save him. As enemies closed in, Huang organized the evacuation, helping Library Director Du salvage rare books along with Qiu. Pingshi fell into enemy hands in 1945. Those who could not escape died as martyrs. After Japan’s surrender, Huang was drowned during a journey to campus --his final sacrifice to keep the flame of education alive.
Director: GAN Xiaoer
Starring: TSE Kwan-Ho, YAN Qiuyue, WANG Hongwei, JIANG Zhongwei, YE Yufei
Director Bio:
GAN Xiaoer
Graduated from the Department of Literature at Beijing Film Academy in 1998 with a Master of Arts degree. He was the head of the Department of Digital Media Art, director of the Film Creation and Research Center, professor, and postgraduate supervisor at South China Normal University's School of Fine Arts. He also serves as the vice chairman and head of the Training Committee for the Guangdong Film Association.
His debut feature film, The Only Sons, won the Jury Special Mention in the Dragons and Tigers Award competition at the 22nd Vancouver International Film Festival in 2002. His 2007 film, Raised from dust, starring HU Shuli and ZHANG Xianmin, was selected for the 36th International Film Festival Rotterdam. His latest film, Scholars Under Fire, was directed in 2024.