After 10 years in hiatus, China is once again dominating the world film scene after Chinese actor Yao Anlian wins the best actor award in the recently-concluded 38th Montreal World Film Festival (MWFF).
Yao broke the 10-year thirst for China as he became the first Chinese to win the prestigious award since 2004. It was Chinese actor Fan Wei who took home the award during that year.
Yao's best actor accolade was for his lead role in Zhang Wei's much-talked about industry themed film Da Gong Lao Ban or "Factory Boss".
"Factory Boss" is the only Chinese movie that made it to the competition this year.
A work by Chinese mainland director Zhang Wei, Factory Boss takes a look at the manufacturing industry in Southeast China's Shenzhen, and how rising labor costs have stripped the city of its production advantages.
MWFF Founder and President Serge Losique said in a press statement that "Factory Boss" is a work of historical significance that has brought a new understanding and examination of the Chinese manufacturing industry.
Yao's award, however, did not come as a surprise because the China's manufacturing slowdown has become a hot topic among global media outlets of late. The movie is a timely film that discusses China's manufacturing industry at a time that China's economy is in a slowdown.
Yao said it took nine years for him to get a best actor award, after he failed to bring home the Best Actor trophy at Cannes. He, however, stressed that the loss did not discourage him from further honing up his acting skills.
"I worked hard to perform in each role I played to the best of my ability," Yao said.
"Factory Boss" will open in China on 21 October.
