A dedicated group of people in Beijing are playing their part to support the Beijing 2008 Games, by shooting a community film called Fuwa.

 

 

As the whole of society is enthusiastically preparing for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, a dedicated group of people in Beijing's Tiantongyuan Community are playing their part-by shooting a community film called Fuwa.

 

The film tells a story of five naughty kids trying to realize their Olympic-themed dreams. After several rounds of auditions, five children from the community were given major roles in the film.

 

On Sunday afternoon, children and their parents crowded an underground room in the district. It was the day of the final round of auditions. "I believe I can win," said the 6-year-old boy Ranran who had undertaken much preparation at home.

 

"I'll take the role of Huanhuan because he is the big brother of Fuwa," said 6-year-old girl Sun Jiaxi, "Huanhuan looks like a torch, and he's the most warm-hearted of them all."

 

"Since you said Huanhuan looks like a torch, please perform the feeling of hot," asked the director. The little girl then acted by wiping sweat and fanning her face.

 

The activity was launched online by a resident of the community named Jiang Jinya on last December 30. He will also work as director of the film.

 

In the first round of auditions on January 22, 38 children were chosen from more than 400 candidates. 19 of the 38 kids advanced to the second round, based partly on online votes submitted on the community's forum.

 

Director Jiang said the film will start shooting on March 15. All of those involved will be performing for free. But all of the residents of the community will receive the gift of the film on DVD.

 

The Tiantongyuan community is already well-known for the first ever community DV art-short:"How can I rescue you, my daughter?"-shot last summer by local resident Song Jianjun, together with several of his neighbors.

 

(CRI February 6, 2007)