A poster for Fade Away Pastoral, a film focusing on the changing life of Kazak people in the Xinjiang autonomous region.[Photo provided to China Daily]

The film reflects indecision where people often hesitate when they are about to stride forward, since they can only gain a better future at the cost of things they once treasured.

Describing the various strands that run through the film, Zhou says: "We want to show how social development happens. But we just present, instead of trying to resolve conflicts, as we want the audience to come to their own conclusions."

The cast members spent three years making the film. And they labored in the vast area in the north and east of Xinjiang, trying their best to capture the scenery and story.

Speaking about the team who made the film, Gao says: "Every time I saw the cast members I was moved by their dedication. It is definitely a work made with great sincerity."