Smog Journeys (2015)
A striking short film by Jia Zhangke, made for Greenpeace, confronting China's air pollution crisis through two families' shared fate.
Smog Journeys - Movie Information
Smog Journeys - Plot
Jia Zhangke's short film for Greenpeace East Asia depicts the effects of air pollution in northeast China, a region frequently blanketed in dangerous levels of air pollution. 'Smog Journeys' traces two families from two different backgrounds; one a mining family in Hebei province, and the other a trendy middle class family in Beijing. Both face a similar fate. Air pollution is one of China's most pressing environmental and health issues. Greenpeace calls for a shift from coal to clean renewable energy, as well as short term measures that better safeguard people's health.
Smog Journeys - Trailer
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Clean Air Doesn't Come to Those Who Wait
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Smog Journeys - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Jia Zhangke
Main Cast
- Zhao Tao
- Liang Jingdong
- Liu Qiang
- Liu Lu
Writers
- Jia Zhangke
Producers
- Jia Zhangke
Smog Journeys - FAQs
What is Smog Journeys about?
Smog Journeys follows two Chinese families — a mining family in Hebei province and a middle-class family in Beijing — as they navigate the devastating effects of air pollution. Directed by Jia Zhangke for Greenpeace East Asia, the film is a powerful plea for a shift from coal to clean renewable energy.
Is Smog Journeys based on real environmental issues?
Absolutely. The film is rooted in China's very real air pollution crisis, particularly in the northeast, where smog regularly reaches dangerous levels. Greenpeace commissioned the film to highlight the health consequences of coal dependency and to advocate for cleaner energy policies across the country.
Why did Greenpeace commission Jia Zhangke for this film?
Jia Zhangke is one of China's most acclaimed filmmakers, known for his unflinching portrayals of everyday life and social change. Greenpeace East Asia chose him to bring emotional depth and authenticity to the air pollution issue — making the crisis feel personal and urgent rather than abstract or statistical.
What message does Smog Journeys send to viewers?
The film's tagline says it best: "Clean Air Doesn't Come to Those Who Wait." Smog Journeys urges both individuals and governments to act — pushing for a transition away from coal toward renewable energy, while also calling for immediate measures to protect public health from toxic air.
Who are the main actors in Smog Journeys?
The cast features Zhao Tao, a longtime collaborator of Jia Zhangke known for her roles in Platform and Still Life, alongside Liang Jingdong, Liu Qiang, and Liu Lu. Their performances ground the film's environmental message in recognizable, human experiences.
How long is Smog Journeys?
Smog Journeys runs just 7 minutes — a deliberately compact format that packs a striking emotional punch. Its brevity makes it ideal for wide online sharing, which was central to Greenpeace's strategy for raising awareness about China's air pollution crisis.
What are some films similar to Smog Journeys?
If Smog Journeys resonated with you, check out Bong Joon-ho's The Host (2006), which uses monster-movie thrills to explore environmental contamination in South Korea, or Todd Haynes' Safe (1995), a quietly unsettling portrait of a woman overwhelmed by environmental illness in suburban America.
When and where was Smog Journeys released?
Smog Journeys premiered on January 22, 2015, in China. Greenpeace East Asia released it online to maximize reach and spark public conversation about the country's worsening air quality — timing the release to coincide with heightened smog conditions in northern China.
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