Xinjiang director's debut feature enjoys immediate recognition and is testament to the perseverance he's shown in chasing his hopes and dreams, Xu Fan reports.

While on a journey to find inspiration for a new film in late 2019, director Shapkat Murat was surprised, and proud, to find that equestrianism had become a regular course for the young students in Altay prefecture in northern Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.

Having previously pursued studies at the School of Fine Art in the Beijing Film Academy, Shapkat says he knows how costly it can be for urban children who wish to learn to ride.

The experience certainly delivered the desired epiphany, as, alongside codirector Dong Xinwen, who also served as scriptwriter, Shapkat managed to complete his debut directorial feature The Little Horsewhip. The film even earned a nomination for Best Children's Film at the 36th China Golden Rooster Awards earlier this year.