Timber Gang

The documentary dives into the challenging existence of lumberjacks in Heilongjiang, China. It captures their reliance on hand tools, sleds, and horses to transport massive trees down treacherous slopes. The film highlights the dangers they face daily, including the constant threat of injury or death in their quest for timber.

Yu Guangyi's debut film not only portrays the physical labor involved but also the cultural elements, as these woodcutters perform ancient rituals to appease mountain gods. The harsh wintry landscape serves as a backdrop to their efforts, illustrating the intersection of tradition and the environmental impact of deforestation. Timber Gang is a thought-provoking exploration of a way of life that may soon be lost due to changing practices.