Together in Guangzhou (2011)

The first feature film to document an Asian Games, "Together in Guangzhou" is a celebration of Asian sports in the 21st century. Now, journey with the film as it narrates the stories of athletes from China, Myanmar, India, Iraq, United Arab Emirates, Kazakhstan and Japan and their aspirations and dreams at the 16th Asian Games. Beginning with the popular Chinese sport, the Dragon Boat Race, the Chinese team has to overcome the mental pressure and perfect their techniques to engage in a battle with neighboring country, Myanmar. Then travel to South Asia, and watch India Men's National Kabaddi team display their skills at home and in Guangzhou, promoting this popular ancient sport to the Chinese people and the world. Next, watch middle distance runner, Adnan who uses sports as a form of expression to seek peace in his war-torn country, Iraq. He overcomes the dangers of his own safety and persists in his training in the hopes of bringing home a medal from Guangzhou. The film moves on to show the bravery of private ranch owner, Aljunaibi from the United Arab Emirates. For him, owning cheetahs and gliders have brought him motivation, strength and confidence as an equestrian who is ready for the Games. For Kazakhstani weightlifter, Ilya Ilin who reigned at the men's 94kg weightlifting competition during the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, his hopes are not merely pinned on winning the Asian Games' gold medal but his courageous attempts to break the record. Lastly, the film spotlights on a forefront team, the Japanese women's football squad. With their superb athletic skills, these ladies fight it out against their Asian rivalries. Throughout these athletes' journeys from their homelands to the competition grounds of Guangzhou, "Together in Guangzhou" also encapsulates a more humanistic approach of ordinary people who build relationships with these athletes. They together bring a more vivid story of passion, dreams and friendship in the world of sports.