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Synopsis
Lang Dong Se Bian is entering a team into Cunchao for the first time. They’ve gathered local businessmen, students, and adults living in Guiyang, the provincial capital a few hours away. A village of only 500 families, the potential publicity and opportunity from the league is huge. While younger players have some experience, none, including the older generation have played in a formal setting. Zaizhong Wu, a journalist covering ethnic minority culture, takes the bullet train from Guiyang to join his hometown team. The level of play in Cunchao is modest, and Se Bian ranks among the weaker sides. Before and after matches, the team gathers at a hotpot restaurant owned by teammate Jintao “Bao” Shi to discuss strategy and their slim qualifying chances.
Cunchao’s influence is felt across the region. A local elementary school is building a new soccer field, funded by a businessman from northeastern China who visited during the tournament. Another village produces official Cunchao tea and sells it on TikTok. The league's cultural impact is year-round. This year Rongjiang is hosting it’s first ever New Years gala at Cunchao Stadium and it will get broadcast nationally. In Lang Dong, part of Se Bian, villagers are building massive dragon and phoenix sculptures from rice farming byproducts. Led by artist Youhua Ni for the second year in a row, the project is unpaid but many still pitch in to finish in time.
Streamers at the games barely know the rules, but every night they’re there with babies strapped to their backs, cheering and filming. Ordinary people living their lives. After three games, Se Bian is eliminated. The captain, Jinfan Tian, can’t hold back tears as teammates comfort him. They never expected to go far, but the loss still hurts.
At the New Year gala, the stadium is packed. Nearly every person has a phone out, documenting the celebration. Dong, Miao, Shui, and Bui ethnic groups take turns performing in traditional outfits and playing folk instruments, celebrating the rich culture of Guizhou. The show culminates in a rousing dance as the dragon and phoenix, led by Youhua, parade around the field.
The film ends at the Cunchao stadium—but with a new set of players: kids. One-third of the full field is now a mini pitch. Wu and other players offer guidance while villagers cheer from the sidelines. The Cunchao announcers make sure everyone within a few blocks knows what’s happening. As the children play in the foreground, a long pan across the line of fans closes the film. Outfits range from delivery drivers to traditional ethnic clothes to urban streetwear—capturing Super Village and Cunchao in a single image.