In "Incense", director Ning Hao makes a comment on the state of traditional Buddhism in modern China. He portrays a disspirited, empty setting in which old Buddhist values are replaced by modern values of materialism and capitalism.
Direction
Ning Hao's sardonic eye on systemic decay.
Writing
Irony so dry it could start a fire.
Director
Ning Hao
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Ning Hao shot this on digital video with non-professional actors, capturing China's rural religious decline with documentary-like authenticity.
The film was banned in China for its unflattering portrayal of Buddhist commercialization and corrupt local officials—a rare critique that hit too close to home.
CN
