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Canadian director Sophie Deraspe is making waves at the 15th Beijing International Film Festival with her thought-provoking film Shepherds, a story weaving existential dilemmas, humanity's bond with nature, and critiques of urban life. In an exclusive chat with CGTN, Deraspe shared her fresh take on China's moviegoers: "Chinese audiences are young, clever, and open to challenging narratives. They engage deeply with art."
The film, competing for the prestigious Tiantan Award, explores themes that Deraspe believes resonate globally. "I wanted to question our alienation from nature and each other," she said, adding that China's vibrant film culture offers a "dynamic space" for cross-cultural dialogue.
Deraspe, visiting China for the first time, praised the festival's energy and diversity, calling it a "bridge between storytellers and curious minds." With young audiences driving box-office trends, her insights highlight how cinema continues to unite generations and geographies.
In an exclusive chat with CGTN, Deraspe shared her fresh take on China's moviegoers: "Chinese audiences are young, clever, and open to challenging narratives. They engage deeply with art."
"I wanted to question our alienation from nature and each other," she said, adding that China's vibrant film culture offers a "dynamic space" for cross-cultural dialogue. 
With young audiences driving box-office trends, her insights highlight how cinema continues to unite generations and geographies.
