Growing up in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, filmmaker Qiao Sixue witnessed a shocking scene at just 4 or 5 years old, which became an inspiration for her directorial debut feature, The Cord of Life.

In the family's yard, Qiao's grandfather slaughtered a sheep as part of the ethnic Daur people's long-standing tradition of preparing and storing food for the harsh winter months.

The artist, who describes herself as "a sensitive person", has since then been haunted by this vivid scene of death, especially when picturing such a possibility falling on someone she loves.

"The feeling that witnessing death brings is scary and leaves a big impression. You will come away afraid that the people closest to you will completely leave you one day too," explained Qiao in an interview with China Daily given shortly before the movie's premiere, held in a downtown Beijing cinema.