​Sound of Shanghai, an international short documentary exploring Shanghai's intangible cultural heritage, held its Asian premiere at Hongqiao Art Centre in Changning district on June 27.

Directed by Cypriot composer and filmmaker Marios Joannou Elia and executive-produced by Zhao Jinyu, a Kunqu Opera promoter and performer, the documentary unites an international creative team with Chinese artists to tell Shanghai's story from a distinctive auditory perspective.

Rather than focusing on the city's skyline or landmarks, Sound of Shanghai centers its narrative on sound. It showcases a range of intangible cultural heritage elements, including Kunqu Opera, traditional Chinese instrumental music, Chen-style Tai Chi, tea culture, Gu embroidery, qipao craftsmanship, and Shanghai's culinary traditions, weaving them into a contemporary audiovisual experience.

The project was inspired by Elia's initial visit to Shanghai, during which he explored local intangible cultural heritage workshops and experienced Kunqu Opera costumes and water-sleeve movements. During the trip, he suggested that every city has its own sound, an idea that became the foundation for the cross-cultural collaboration.

According to Elia, the documentary aims to capture Shanghai's identity through the sounds that define the city. It also shows that intangible cultural heritage is not a static symbol of the past, but a living tradition that continues to evolve and resonate with audiences across cultures.

Source: WeChat account of Changning district information office of "shchangning"