Jia Zhangke’s next film, “Mamma Dunhuang,” will star Zhao Tao as a homebound woman who uses AI to help on a drive from Dunhuang in western China to the sea. Jia says AI features in the story, not the production; filming is set for early winter.
After the 10th Pingyao Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon International Film Festival closes Sept. 30, Jia plans to begin location scouting and production design for the film.
Jia founded Pingyao, whose official program this year has 51 films; its online ticketing system logged more than 70 million visits. The festival is discussing a proposed 300–500-seat theater, ideally within the ancient city walls, but Jia said the plan is difficult and remains under discussion.
