THE BOTANIST

96 MINUTES | DRAMA | 2025

Synopsis

Set in a remote village in Xinjiang, China, THE BOTANIST follows a young Kazakh boy named Arsin, who finds solace in the company of plants. He soon meets Meiyu, a spirited Han girl whose unpredictable nature reminds him of a rare, otherworldly plant. As their friendship blossoms, it deepens into a delicate, dreamlike allegory that blurs the lines between reality and the enchanting world of botany.  

Awards

Grand Prix for Best Film, Berlinale Generation Kplus 2025

Credits

DIRECTED BY: Jing Yi (feature debut)

PRODUCERS: Zuolong Shan (RESURRECTION, LONG DAY’S JOURNEY INTO NIGHT, LOVE IS GUN), Qi Ai

CAST: Yesl Jahseleh, Ren Zihan, Jalen Nurdaolet, Sarhet Eramazan, Songhat Jomajan 

PRESS QUOTES

“[A] graceful and ephemeral drama” 

The Hollywood Reporter

"A first feature of great visual beauty and sensitivity"

The Film Verdict

“As transportive a slice of summer melancholy as one could ask for”

The Film Stage

"Jing’s facility with young, non-professional actors also helps draw out an understated performance from Yesl, who rises to the challenge of commanding the frame”

 IndieWire