**Source:** October 29, 2025, *"Luo Yonghao’s Crossroads"* podcast, Episode 9 — conversation with Jia Zhangke.
*Organized and published without authorization.*
**Deep Notes Expert | Tian Lang Ming Yue**
Editing | Qi Typesetting | Shi Ling
**Article No. 9264** — 7,540 characters | ~19 minutes reading time
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## Mindset
> *Each generation bears its own imprint — and each has its own “Jia Zhangke.”*
Jia Zhangke’s genius is his ability to **restore, with extraordinary fidelity, the reality, subtlety, and texture of his era** through cinematic storytelling — often with an unsettling visual impact.
- **His camera** embraces life’s rough edges: the grey corners of county streets, the noise of video halls, the roar of passing trucks.
- **Born 1970 in Fenyang, Shanxi**, Jia’s “street kid” years — bike riding, breakdancing, fights — laid the groundwork for one of world cinema’s keenest portraits of China’s social transformation.
- His journey — from *Luluba Street* to the Beijing Film Academy, from *Xiao Wu* to *Still Life* — reflects a belief:
> *Cinema is not the fabrication of legend, but the safeguarding of dignity for ordinary people.*
This article distills that conversation — from untamed youth to literary awakening, from the shock of *Yellow Earth* to a steadfast filmmaking mission.
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## I. Formative Backdrop: From Street to Screen
### 1. Artistic Roots in Wild Growth
#### Growing Up in Fenyang
- Unique cultural blend — from missionary influence to merchant trade routes reaching Mongolia & Russia.
- Complex interpersonal networks; frequent mischief and fights among children.
**Street Fighting Era:**
1. **Pre-school fights** — supporting older street boys, bringing bricks and tiles, assessing victory by stitches received.
2. **Elementary school peak** — fiercely competitive “street survivors.”
3. **High school rock phase** — long hair inspired by foreign musicians; ended after principal’s conversation on hygiene.
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#### Family Environment
- **Father:** Middle school Chinese teacher — valued *oral composition*, reading outstanding student essays aloud.
- **Mother:** Work transfer for better material supply; brought home goods otherwise rationed.
Early literary path:
- First publication in grade 5 (*Trip to Jinci*).
- Founded **Sha Pai Poetry Society** in high school.
- Absorbed storytelling via radio — from ancient tales to contemporary guerrilla novels.
- Discovered literary magazines (*Literary Journal*, *Harvest*) via post-office kiosk.
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#### Personal Aspirations
- Dreamed of being a truck driver — witnessing the wider world on the busy Taiyuan–Shaanxi road.
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## II. Artistic Enlightenment in the 1980s
### Dance: Breakdancing “Pest Team”
- Inspired by American movie *Breaking* — watched 7 times in 3 days.
- Formed **The Pest Squad** — name inspired by Raid pesticide ad.
- *Lesson:* Every era’s memories sweeten over time.
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### Music: Cassette Culture
- Misheard Cui Jian lyrics; treasured Zhang Di and Teresa Teng tapes.
- Transition to new pop stars like Liu Wenzheng.
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### Film: Theaters & Video Rooms
- First excitement from *Guerrillas on the Plain* and *The Passenger in Handcuffs*.
- Mother’s theater job = free films; memorable *Final Song*.
- Shift to video rooms (20 cents per ticket) — discovered Hong Kong action and martial arts classics.
- Became fully immersed in cinema.
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## III. Key Turning Points & Creative Origins
### 1. From Art Prep Class to University
- Drifted a year after high school — refused arranged jobs.
- Chose arts for weaker math; entered Shanxi University’s art prep class.
- Admitted to **Beijing Film Academy, Literature Department**.
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### 2. Mentors: Tian Dongzhao & Takeshi Kitano
**Tian Dongzhao**
- Boldly delivered manuscript in person; received detailed feedback & encouragement.
- Invited for weekend literary talks — formative mentorship.
**Takeshi Kitano**
- Discovered *Xiao Wu* via Shozo Ichiyama.
- Personally backed films despite profit concerns — support extended to *Platform* & *Ash Is Purest White*.
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### 3. The *Yellow Earth* Revelation
- Emotional clarity: filmmaking as life’s mission.
- Deep resonance with Shanxi’s unchanged rural scenes.
- Striking banquet scene with wooden fish crystallized the beauty of authentic detail.
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### 4. Low-Budget Breakthrough: *Xiao Wu*
- Roots in short film *Xiaoshan Comes Home*.
- **Challenges overcome**:
1. Funding via friends & mural artist’s loan.
2. Borrowed video & audio equipment.
3. Post-production aided by classmates’ living expenses.
- Won Hong Kong short film award; fostered lasting collaborations.
- Kodak manager gifted 10 rolls of film — symbolic of spontaneous generosity.
**Lesson:**
> *Act first; don’t wait for “perfect” conditions.*
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### 5. Pop Songs as Truth
- Popular music = authentic backdrop of small-town life.
- Chosen songs reflect era’s emotional and cultural texture.
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### 6. Creative Philosophy: Full Authenticity
- Ignored trend-hedging advice; filmed what felt urgent at the moment.
- Willingness to start shooting before financing complete — long-term collaborators value this conviction.
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## Final Words
- **True to self** is the guiding principle.
- Fenyang = emotional home; return always possible.
- Joy exists in all places — nothing is truly irretrievable.
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### Modern Parallel for Creators
Today, independent artists can:
- Leverage **[AiToEarn官网](https://aitoearn.ai/)** — open-source AI content monetization platform.
- Create, publish, and monetize across Douyin, Kwai, WeChat, Bilibili, Rednote, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads, YouTube, Pinterest, X.
- Integrate analytics and AI model rankings to sustain their creative freedom.
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