The Last Mile on a road to box office success

The Last Mile, based on the true stories of poverty alleviation efforts in Yibin, Sichuan province, has resonated with audiences who have had similar experiences in rural areas.

Produced by China Film Group Corporation and distributed by Huaxia Film Distribution, the film opened across the Chinese mainland on Nov 16.

Set in an isolated village in southern Yibin, the film follows Li Shuanghong, a young man who rallies locals to build a road that will connect the village to the outside world.

In an effort to shake off the stereotypical depiction of such films, The Last Mile injects a lot of humor into the plight of its protagonists, making it more like a comedy drama.

For two months, the crew toured to five poverty-stricken towns and villages to interview locals, accumulating anecdotal material from which to develop a script, said the director, Li Wei, at the movie's opening ceremony in Yibin on Nov 15.

The Last Mile has also been selected by China Film Group and several organizers to be included as part of an initiative to screen 100 quality films in rural areas for free.

Some villagers and poverty relief cadres who have watched the film have said that it is emotional and resonating.