August: A Documentary for the Soul

“The struggle to climb from the rock bottom these past two years has taught me something: finding inner peace in this chaotic world might be the hardest challenge, but once you possess such serenity, you have acquired the strength of your own.” - Zhang Zhe Han

A heart-warming documentary directed by the Chinese actor and singer Zhang Zhe Han has finally premiered on YouTube and LiTV Taiwan on April 14, 2024.  At the height of his career in August 2021, a devastating cyber media storm put his works on hold and traumatized his personal life. He bravely faced this traumatic month, August, by going on a self-healing journey.  The first scene was filmed in August 2022 as he climbed the steep Haba Snow mountain. The remainder was filmed in August 2023, with the camera following Zhang Zhe Han as he cycled the challenging roads from Shangri-La to Lhasa. During this month-long trip through Tibet, he bonded with nature, mingled with the locals, explored history and culture, and most importantly, found himself again. 

In this humbling documentary, Zhang Zhe Han met with a musical master of Xianzi (Tibetan Fiddle), who lost his bar to a fire, and crossed paths with two young brothers where the older one carries a dream to play professional basketball. He also spent time with a cheerful lady chef who cooks at a Tibetan inn, and a couple who told their fascinating love story leading them to a complete change in their life trajectory. The locals he met along the way shared their joys and hardships with Zhang Zhe Han and the audience. 

Although the darkness of 2021’s August stained his name with false information and malicious distortions online, Zhang Zhe Han’s persistence and passion for music opened up another door for his career as a singer. With this documentary, he has now also fulfilled a long-lived dream to direct his own film. 

Whether you need a break from binge watching dramas or can’t commit to one right now, feel free to check out this uplifting 4K documentary on YouTube. Director Zhang will bring you to see the most beautiful landscapes of China, from the Shangri-La grassland, the tropical rain forest in Motuo, to the turquoise blue Laigu glacier. Aside from the impressive visuals, the enchanting narratives and adorable animals featured in this film will guarantee an enjoyable hour of your time. And don’t be surprised if, after watching, you find your soul enriched with strength and inspiration to embark on your own journey, to pursue your dreams, and to keep going. 

Let’s end here with another quote from director Zhang: “In this vast and boundless world, exhaustion, helplessness, regrets, and surprises, three meals a day, simple smiles, brotherhood, dreams, and love, they all truly exist. These are the reasons that keep me going.”