The Botanist

The Botanist is a drama and fantasy film set in a remote village in Xinjiang, China. The story follows Arsin, a young Kazakh boy who finds comfort in the study of plants. He forms a friendship with Meiyu, a spirited Han girl whose unpredictable personality reminds him of a rare plant. As their bond grows, the narrative blends reality with a botanical allegory to explore their connection within the isolation of their home.

Directed and written by Jing Yi, the film features Jahseleh Yesl as Arsin and Ren Zihan as Meiyu. The supporting cast includes Nurdaolet Jalen, Eramazan Sarhet, and Jomajan Songhat. Produced by Monologue Films, 28ST Films, and Poly Film, the movie has a runtime of 96 minutes. It was released on April 14, 2026.