Synopsis
The story takes place in a tropical rainforest in southwest China, where a boy named Aimeng goes camping with his father. An unexpected accident occurs, causing his father to suffer a double leg fracture. With no other options, Aimeng’s father forces him to return to the car to seek help.
What initially seemed like a safe journey quickly deviates from the planned route when a monster with a bull’s head appears. Aimeng, in a hurry to escape, becomes lost in the rainforest. It seems as though nature is intentionally challenging this timid child, as danger follows danger. His only companions are mythical and illusory mermaids and insect spirits.
Fear, and more fear, await him on the road ahead…
TU Hailun
From 2016 to 2021, TU Hailun established the Mosquito Bite Film Group in Beijing to explore children's film education. During this period, he organized film screenings for children in villages and promoted film knowledge. His directorial works include THE DREAMER IN THE JUNGLE, MOONLIGHT DETECTIVE, and NEZHA AND FATHER. TU is also the author of a trilogy of children's literature titled THE ADVENTURES OF TU GUAGUA. His screenwriting credits include THE DREAMER IN THE JUNGLE, THE DANCING EAGLE, THE ANGRY DRAGON, and LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD'S WOLF.
Director's statement
In 2017, I was shocked by a news report: “A 10-year-old boy from Yunnan ran away from home for 24 days, surviving by catching snakes and picking herbs to treat his illnesses.” I went to Yunnan and filmed a documentary about the boy, Xiaocai, which inspired me to create a children’s film about courage.
Executive producer TIAN Zhuangzhuang and artistic director WANG Hongwei provided me with tremendous moral support, encouraging us to express ourselves freely in our creation.
We hope that this film can give children some encouragement, inspiring them to pursue their own courage.
