At the beginning of the project, after receiving a comprehensive synopsis from the YCYW content communication team, we quickly realised our creative vision. YCYW was seeking not only a promotional video, but a film that could convey its values. I am sure many viewers will be surprised by the opening line of the film: "Why do we have to go to school?" This is a simple yet profound question, and the answer is likely to differ for each person. During our own school days, this question resulted from doubt and curiosity. When we become parents, it is a thought-provoking inquiry from our children. Therefore, I hope this question will be like an invisible thread running through the entire film, and that the audio-visual design will evoke a sense of connection and empathy with the audience when they encounter this question again at the end of the film.

After learning more about the core philosophy and the teaching model of YCYW education, I realised that the film's content would extend beyond classroom teaching and highlight those precious moments when students discover their true selves through exploration and practice. Such an approach would more effectively communicate YCYW values. After many brainstorming sessions, we therefore chose a film structure blending interpretation with documentary elements. We hoped to create a profound emotional impact on the audience through dramatic storytelling, while also presenting the real campus lives of students through documentary sequences. As the film progresses through its various stages, this continuation of the narrative logic expresses the uniqueness of YCYW's nearly 100 years of education.

YCYW promotes an open and inclusive education. Through this film, we hope viewers can feel the spirit behind YCYW’s century-long history—a student-centred force of continual improvement through perseverance and exploration.

Particularly impressive were Chinese Vice-Principal Ms Maggie Zhou and Mr Wayne Gao of the Marketing and Admissions Division at YWIES Shanghai Lingang. I greatly admired their  commitment to the film. Their support not only increased our team's confidence but also made us feel a core spirit of YCYW—their sincerity.

The filming process was full of delightful surprises, especially when interacting with the students. In particular, Daniel, a Year 3 student at YCIS Shanghai Lingang, impressed us with his keen observation skills. He not only reminded us to adjust the sound recording environment by turning off the central air conditioning to ensure silence, but also humorously reminded us, "Director, don't forget to say 'Action'!" His insightfulness even surpassed that of our professional film and television workers. We captured each shot through natural interactions with the students, making the filming process congenial, relaxed, and enjoyable.

Whenever our filming team stood behind the camera and observed students of all ages thinking and learning, we were filled with a sense of their decency. The light of the sunset on Dishui Lake on the smiling faces of teachers and students; the bands and dance performances in the auditoriums and classrooms; and the laughter and sweat on the athletic fields—all these moments embody the vibrant spirit and dreams that YCYW students have on campus.

In such scenes, the students experienced a sense of achievement when they surpassed their own limitations. This feeling transcends grades and is the most valuable benefit that the school can give them—something beyond knowledge.

The entire montage does not have much narration. Instead, the film relies on the students' movements, eyes, and body language to convey their inner development, without the need for language. This is what I hoped to convey—that YCYW not only teaches students to acquire knowledge and achieve results, but also to celebrate pure friendships. This integrity is what will drive us to pursue and transcend our own selves in the future, enabling us to achieve a deeper and more profound sense of purpose in life.

As we watch the whole film, we will find our own answers to the question, "Why do we have to go to school?" I hope this film touches everyone who watches it, and inspires us to think about the beauty and value in our lives that we often overlook. It encourages us to grow through support, gain confidence in ourselves, and finally find our own paths in life.