Philippe Muyl • China-France • 2013

Renxing, an only child, lives with her parents in Beijing. Between their demanding professions, they have little time for her, which they compensate for with gifts and pampering. On the other side of town Renxing’s grandfather is planning to make a trip—he promised his late wife he'd return to his hometown to set the nightingale he has harbored for many years free. With both her parents away on business, Renxing and her grandfather embark for Guangxi together.

A visually sumptuous journey through the lush, verdant landscapes of Southwest China, The Nightingale artfully underscores the importance of family, nature, and tradition. Philippe Muyl’s seventh feature premiered at Palm Springs, Minsk, and Shanghai, where it won Best Actor. The Nightingale was China’s official submission to the 87th Academy Awards, but was not nominated.