The film, titled "Lóngquán" (the dragon's spring), tells the story of Junyi, an actor and dancer born in Valencia, raised in Tarragona, and trained in Barcelona. The movie explores the bridge between his Chinese heritage, from his family's origin, and his life in Catalonia, where he grew up and built his career.
Filming took place in significant locations, including the village of Damei in the mountains of Zhejiang, China. This area is marked by the country's recent history, from the Cultural Revolution to the capitalist reforms that spurred emigration for many families in the 1980s and 1990s.
Junyi's mother, Wang Shangmei, belongs to the generation that emigrated from Damei to settle in Spain, establishing businesses like restaurants and bazaars. The film reflects on the second generation, children of Chinese immigrants who are now adults in Catalonia, pursuing diverse professions and often battling racialized stereotypes.
Junyi, who grew up in Catalonia after arriving from China at age seven, explains he distanced himself from film and theatre due to limited opportunities and stereotypical roles. Dance, however, offered a more inclusive space. His return to his hometown after thirty years was driven by the need to reconnect with his 96-year-old grandmother.
Director Adrià Guxens emphasizes that "Lóngquán" is among the first films co-created with members of the Chinese community in Catalonia, offering a "unique perspective" on the diaspora. The movie addresses the feeling of being an "outsider" both in the host country and within one's own community, a concept Guxens describes as a cultural and linguistic "lost in translation."
The production, by Pausa Dramàtica Films and La Charito Films, includes scenes shot in Barcelona and China. It blends the filming process with the daily life of the protagonist's family, incorporating traditions like drinking baijiu and the hospitality of local drivers such as Bin Qiu.
The technical crew, including cinematographer Martín Urrea, assistant Sarai Moreira, sound recordist Anqi He, and DIT Li Xinwen, worked under challenging conditions, such as the bamboo sequence, where light and terrain complicated filming. The vibrant presence of the protagonist's mother, Shangmei, who also appears in the film, imbues the independent production.
