Suzhou Craft Documentary Premieres in Australia

A documentary titled Magical Craftsmanship of Suzhou rolled out across theaters in Australia’s Sydney and Melbourne recently, giving locals a close-up look at how ancient handicrafts continue to color modern Chinese life.

The film, presented by director Sun Zengtian, explores iconic handicrafts through the eyes of 12 veterans from the city of Suzhou in east China’s Jiangsu Province.

“Through the combination of art and people, we reveal the core of the craftsman’s spirit: open and inclusive, meticulous dedication, self-cultivation, respect for nature and people, and eternal innovation,” says Sun.

From exquisite silk brocades of the Song Dynasty (960-1279), furniture from the Ming Dynasty (13681644), and intricate jade carvings, the film explores how ancient traditions have continued to occupy a central role in modern-day Chinese culture.

One of the artists featured in the documentary is Wang Xiaowen, who began his journey as a lantern maker at just 10 years of age. Now 75, Wang’s story, recounted in the documentary, explores how only through a lifetime of dedication can art be truly realized.

The film also explores the conflicts artisans face in the modern world where productivity and mass production edge out the “dated” practices of traditional art.

Caitlin Nugent, a 26-year-old teacher from Sydney, attended one of the documentary’s screenings. She says the most interesting part of the documentary for her was the introduction of the process behind silk brocades.

Having never been to China, she said the film strengthened her dream of one day visiting China.

Also in attendance was the Sydney-based writer Peter Hannam. He said the film gave an insight into the importance of passing on traditional skills from generation to generation. “It seems like there’s a narrow window of keeping those skills vibrant, passing them on, and working to inspire future generations.”