On the 19th of August, the national premiere press conference for the historical and cultural documentary "Yan Zhenqing" was held in Yongji, Yuncheng. It is scheduled to air from the 19th to the 23rd of August (Monday through Friday) at 21:30 on Shanxi Television.
Yan Zhenqing, a towering figure in Chinese calligraphy and an eminent representative of the prosperous Tang culture, was also a renowned statesman, thinker, and litterateur. His artistic accomplishments and noble character have had a profound and lasting impact, earning him the accolade as the "highest benchmark of Chinese culture." The historical and cultural documentary "Yan Zhenqing" offers a unique perspective with rich documentation and vivid imagery to delve into his life story, his achievements in calligraphy, and the cultural context of his era. Through interviews with domestic experts and scholars and field visits to historical sites, the creative team has meticulously portrayed the multifaceted life of Yan Zhenqing and his pivotal role in the development of Chinese culture.
In the year 758, Yan Zhenqing served as the governor of Puzhou (present-day Yongji, Shanxi). Despite the tumultuous times, he never wavered in his convictions and faith. He dispatched his nephew, Yan Quanming, and others to search for the remains of relatives who had fallen during the An Lushan Rebellion. Upon seeing the severed head of his nephew, Yan Jiming, he was overwhelmed with grief and penned what would become known as the "Second Greatest Work of Calligraphy in the World," the "Memorial Writings for My Nephew." Fueled by anguish and fury, his emotions poured onto the paper, creating an unparalleled masterpiece in the annals of Chinese calligraphy. The premiere of the documentary "Yan Zhenqing" in Yongji not only serves as a significant promotion of traditional Chinese culture but also pays homage to this great historical figure across the boundaries of time.
The production of the series began in 2021. The crew overcame numerous challenges, delving into ancient texts, visiting historical landmarks, and interviewing experts. They traveled more than 20,000 kilometers across nine provinces and over 20 cities, dedicating approximately three years to produce a documentary that is profound in its message, clear in its theme, and of exceptional quality. The documentary uses reenactments and weaves together five distinct narratives—"Stele Inscription at the Great Wild Goose Pagoda," "Lone Loyalty in Turmoil," "Smoke and Rain in the Far Reaches," "Soul of Calligraphy in the Prosperous Tang," and "Brilliance of Loyalty and Valor"—to vividly depict the life journey and artistic achievements of Yan Zhenqing, the renowned official and calligrapher of the Tang Dynasty. The entire series covers aspects such as his political career, personal virtues, and calligraphic artistry. By exploring his growth and life experiences, the documentary reveals his personality traits, emotional depth, and how he became a great calligrapher.
Reporter Kang Yu, Shanxi Economic Daily Multimedia Journalist
