Director Lu Qingyi [Photo provided to China Daily]

The committee of the film festival stated that in Four Springs, "The placid singing of the parents infuses warmth into their daily life, and shows that meaning can be found in reunions and the loneliness after separation. Unlike other documentaries that tend to be serious and are focused on marginalized sections of society, this film has an uplifting spirit and offers the audience a brighter outlook."

As the film's honorary producer, actor Chen Kun shed tears when he watched the film at the premiere. He explained that it was not because he felt sad but because he was touched.

"The story tells us that we can find the bigger meaning of life in just normal everyday things," he says.

Film critic Shi Hang adds: "The life recorded in Four Springs reminds me of my own."

Contact the writer at liyingxue@chinadaily.com.cn