Director's statement

In everyone’s childhood, there is a memorable beginning. By traveling on this road without an end or a point to turn back, we become the way we are today. So what is this road made of? We were touched by the children’s naiveté, enthusiasm and courage at the beginning. I think they’re lonely sometimes when their parents cannot pick them up after a vigorous practice or when the adults push them beyond their limits. Even though children do resist, they have this emotional strength that gets them through their lives and trainings. I have come to realize that I’m director with limitations; I can only film things and people that I love. Through these children, I see my own childhood, a journey that is indescribable by simply ‘happy’ or ‘sad’. In the end, this film is not just about them; it’s also about us.

We make this film for all the gymnastic children. They are: Wang Luning, Deng Tong, Number One, Number Two, and A Nan. These six year old athletes, like thousands of regular workers and farmers, are the real forces that propel changes and development in China. Our documentary serves to show the honor and dignity of these unsung heroes. There are many people I want to thank for their wholehearted support. Gong Wei, Zhu Qian, Bas, Dylan, Hancun, Daniel, Christine, Ji Xiaoyan, Xia, Dong, a good film is the best reward to all these best friends! Thanks to Battleship Grey, a wonderful band from Switzerland, who compose and play the incredibly impressive music for the film. I wish to thank our commissioning editor Barbara Biemann from NDR. Without her staunch support and hard work, the Red Race would not have been made. I wish to thank our partner for this film NDR and Shanghai Media Group, and Shanghai Media Group’s CEO, Mr. Li Ruigang, and both our producers Patricia Schlesinger and Ying Qiming. Their honesty, courage and reliability have helped us see through the myriad complexities in the making of this film. -- Gan Chao