Black Dog

'Black Dog' ('Gou Zhen') is a Chinese film directed by Guan Hu, released in 2024. The plot follows Lang, an ex-convict who returns to his hometown in northwestern China, near the Gobi Desert, just before the 2008 Beijing Olympics. There, he takes charge of the patrol responsible for eliminating stray dogs, but he forms an unexpected connection with a black dog. Together, they embark on a journey that reflects the social and economic transformation of China during that period.

The film was directed by Guan Hu, who also co-wrote the script alongside Ge Rui and Wu Bing. The cinematography was handled by Gao Weizhe, and the music was composed by Breton Vivian. The film has a runtime of 110 minutes and was produced by The Seventh Art Pictures.

'Black Dog' addresses themes such as redemption, loneliness, and social transformation in China during the preparations for the Beijing Olympics. The relationship between Lang and the black dog serves as a metaphor for internal struggle and the search for connection in a changing environment.

The film premiered globally at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, where it won the Un Certain Regard award. Subsequently, it was screened at festivals such as SEMINCI in Valladolid and the Asian Film Festival Barcelona.

'Black Dog' is a work that combines elements of social cinema and philosophical reflection, offering a deep look at the transformation of China through the relationship between a man and a dog in a desolate environment.