On November 24th, the film "My World Without Me" held its premiere in Beijing with the theme "Seeing Every You in the World." Producer Zhang Hanyu, director Tian Hairong, screenwriter Liu Miaomiao, and actors Tan Kai, Tian Haiyan, Shao Bing, Zhang Fan, Xu Min, Zhao Bingrui, Feng Li, Zheng Kaiting, and other key members of the production team all appeared to listen to the often-overlooked voices of the audience. The film will be released nationwide on November 27th.
"My World Without Me" unfolds from a female perspective, exploring self-reconciliation under multiple pressures from family, workplace, and marriage through the struggles and rebirth of the protagonist, Xiang Xiaoyun (played by Tian Hairong). The film, seven years in the making, utilizes 4K Dolby Atmos technology, with cinematography by Hawaii Film Festival winner Wang Weihua and sound effects by Golden Rooster Award winner Wu Jiang, striving to deliver a high-quality audiovisual experience.
It's worth mentioning that "My World Without Me" is also the directorial debut of renowned actress Tian Hairong. The Paper reporter noted that the official poster announcing the film's release date lists "Tian Hairong" as the director, while the actor credits also use "Tian Hairong."
Director Tian Hairong
At the premiere, director Tian Hairong explained that she reverted to her birth name, Tian Hairong, from her stage name "Tian Hairong" to symbolize her shift from an actress's "all-encompassing" nature to a director's "all-encompassing worldly affairs." "I hope to start from Xiang Xiaoyun's inner struggles, not only to show the audience the work itself, but also to draw their attention to their own reflections, to see themselves reflected in the countless heartbeats within," said director Tian Hairong. Speaking about her experience playing Xiang Xiaoyun, she added that she wasn't alone. "In fact, no audience member exists in isolation. We should not only love our family and friends, but also strangers."
Producer Zhang Hanyu
"My World Without Me" is also Zhang Hanyu's first film as a producer. He said that he chose to participate in this film because of its unique subject matter: "This is a contemporary warm realism subject that I have never encountered before. The film's observation of real society and its warmth touched me. This crossover is also a new attempt in my acting career."
Lead actor Tan Kai plays an important role in the film who suddenly enters Xiang Xiaoyun's life. When talking about his understanding of the character, he hopes that the ending with Xiang Xiaoyun will be a happy ending, "There is a warm connection between the two of them."
Another lead actress, Tian Haiyan, reunited with Tian Hairong after 19 years to play sisters. This on-screen and off-screen emotional relationship further highlights the value of understanding and companionship. Tian Haiyan said that she grew up under her sister's loving care, "When my sister is in trouble, I will be there for her without hesitation."
Movie stills
The behind-the-scenes creators also shared their insights on the film. Liu Miaomiao believes that after the screenwriter hands the script to the director, the director needs to do a second creative step. "Director Tian Hairong incorporated her understanding and attitude towards life into this film." During the screening, the changes in lighting and color tone were clearly visible. Cinematographer Wang Weihua said that this was the first time he had shot a film about such emotional dilemmas. "We did some new thinking in our creative process, and editing director Zhang Yifan also conveyed the characters' rich emotions and vitality through his 'golden scissors'."