Youth (Homecoming)

This documentary focuses on migrant workers employed in textile factories in Zhili as the New Year approaches. While many leave for their distant hometowns to celebrate with their families, those remaining often struggle to secure the wages needed to fund their travel. The film follows individuals like Shi Wei and Fang Lingping, who use the holiday period to marry. In one instance, a former IT professional prepares to join his wife in Zhili, highlighting the challenges faced by a new generation of laborers.

Directed and written by Wang Bing, the film is the fourth entry in the director's filmography, following Tie Xi Qu: West of the Tracks, Venice 70: Future Reloaded, and Youth (Spring). It precedes the release of Youth (Hard Times). The production was a collaboration between companies from France, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands Antilles, including Les Films Fauves and House on Fire. The project was produced by Mao Hui, Nicolas de la Mothe, and Sonia Buchman. Released on July 9, 2025, the film has a runtime of 152 minutes.