A man who lights up the sky

"Each documentary proposal zooms in on small perspectives and stories, yet manages to illuminate grand epochs and overarching themes," says Chen Shi, deputy chief editor of China International Communications Group, which is among the project's organizers.

Zhu Jianing, the director of A Poem in the Sky, elaborates on his choice of Zhong as the documentary's protagonist.

Zhong entered the industry in 2012, and marked a decade in the field last year. His personal journey over the past decade offers viewers a glimpse into the industrial transformation and upgrading of China's fireworks production, Zhu says.

Zhong, who previously studied international trade in the United States, also brings practical experience and unique insights to the external trade of fireworks.

"In addition, he has actively participated in the production and display of fireworks for such events as celebrating the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China and the Beijing Winter Olympics. His direct engagement in these significant events helps to expand the narrative scope of our documentary.

"We also found that Zhong's thoughts carry a poetic quality. For instance, he consistently emphasizes that 'everyone who sets off fireworks has someone they miss'. That prompted us to dig out more stories from him," Zhu adds.