Tianjin wit adds bite to dark comedy award nominee film ‘One Wacky Summer’

The Golden Goblet Awards Main Competition-nominated film “One Wacky Summer” was introduced during a press conference at the ongoing 27th Shanghai International Film Festival on Tuesday, June 17.

The dark comedy, which is having its world premiere at the festival, deals with misfortune, an abduction and absurdity, and is infused with the cultural essence of North China city Tianjin.

Director Cao Baoping and cast members Guo Qilin, Qi Xi, Sun Anke, and Hu Langquan discussed their experiences making the film, which combines Tianjin dialect dialogue with Western comedic elements. 

Cao revealed that the script was written in Tianjin dialect, using the city's "bittersweet humor" to soften the gravity of its crime narrative - a stylistic continuation of his previous work in the 2016 crime comedy drama "Cock and Bull." 

Tianjin-born actor Guo Qilin recalled that filming occurred at "Western-like" locations, such as Dagang Oilfield and Lutai Saltworks, allowing him to rediscover his hometown's diverse landscapes.

Non-Tianjin actresses Qi Xi and Sun Anke diligently practiced the dialect to overcome the script’s linguistic challenges. 

Discussing their roles, Guo Qilin’s character was humorously described as an "irresponsible adult," while Qi Xi's part embodied hidden maternal love. Sun Anke's role showcased a sharp, sassy demeanour in a character who always covers one of her eyes. 

Director Cao emphasized that the film’s dark humour draws its essence from the wit of the Tianjin dialect to depict the fates of ordinary people.