Touching tale is a real eye-opener

"I thought, if I couldn't find a suitable child for the role, it must be that my script has not embodied realism perfectly," Bai adds.

The young actor that plays Mao Dou, Bai Zeze, was selected from a local primary school, and Hui Wangjun, performing as Gou Ren, was a taxi driver prior to participating in the film.

The two actors, Bai Zhiqiang and producer Tian Jiaoping shared their experiences and thoughts during a Q&A session after the premiere screening.

"I felt slightly befuddled and unsure of myself after I was told I got the part," Hui explains.

"The director encouraged me to believe the story was entirely true and see myself as the protagonist. So I continued driving my taxi, with my hair unkempt and beard untrimmed."

His disheveled look seemed to persuade some of his riders. One particularly intimidated passenger quickly disembarked without bothering to wait for his change.

A five-minute documentary recounting behind-the-scenes stories was also screened at the premiere, which shed light on some of the difficulties the crew faced while making the film.