Synopsis

Austrian boy Danny is invited by a Chinese friend to spend his summer vacation at the friend’s grandfather’s home in Hainan, south end of China where he discovers the ancient art of shadow puppetry. Accompanied by his Mozart doll, Danny journeys through China, spending an exotic and adventurous time with his Chinese friends. Their joyful days are short-lived when one day a loan shark knocks on the door of the friend’s grandfather’s house. And the children are faced with the dilemma of saving the puppet theatre. Friendship between Danny and Lin Lin grows as well as Mozart’s love for the beautiful shadow princess. Subsequently, the composition of “The Chinese Sonata” comes to life. Eventually grandfather revives the shadow theatre with the help of the children. This film is unique as it presents the meeting of western marionette and Chinese shadow puppetry, but the exquisite melodies that are played as Austria’s leading composer, Mozart is resurrected in 21st century China, makes it more extraordinary. The superb landscapes of China’s Hainan and the warm images of the people living alongside tradition is a key point of this film. (Chun Jin-su)

Director

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  • Bernd Neuburger
  • Born in 1948 in Salzburg, Bernd Neuburger graduated from the University of Music and Performing Arts, Vienna in 1977. He has made many feature films and documentaries, working both as a cinematographer and director. He won awards for his feature film *1995* and his 2003 film was awarded at film festivals in Russia, China, and Uruguay.

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  • Najia Zelliči
  • Born in 1947 in Prague,