Winner, Un Certain Regard, Cannes.

After a decade in prison, Lang returns to his hometown on the edge of the Gobi Desert in China. As Beijing prepares for the 2008 Olympics, Lang finds work ridding the town of stray dogs. Among them is a dog with a bounty on its head, with whom Lang forms an unexpected bond. This companionship inspires him to become a protector of other strays. His return also rekindles old animosities, creating a tension-filled backdrop to his journey of redemption and newfound purpose.

Eddie Peng (Lang) delivers a subtle yet powerful performance in a film that seamlessly blends multiple genres, from neo-noir to western and features one of the most unforgettable openings in cinema. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Gobi Desert and populated with quirky small-town characters and even a zoo in the desert, director Guan Hu has crafted a cinematic masterpiece.

Winner of the top prize in the Cannes 2024 Un Certain Regard section, with the dog winning the ‘prestigious’ Cannes 2024 Palm Dog Award.