Bai niao chao feng

The story traces the heyday and decline of the traditional Chinese musical instrument suona as we follow the «King of the Suona» Old Jiao's protégé You Tianming from his childhood apprentice days to when he eventually inherited Old Jiao's suona troupe in Shaanxi province. It is a moving tale of the changing times and traditions. Old Jiao's dignity and pride are embodied in the famous virtuouso suona piece – The Song of the Phoenix – which he would only play at the funeral of someone whose past deeds are considered worthy. (Moscow International Film Festival)