"As a student majoring in drama and film studies, I realized at that moment that ordinary people's real lives can actually be like movies, with some beautiful moments," Chen says.

"Being part of this project has also taught me that in my future career choices, I might also try to combine film and education, using movies to influence more people positively," she adds.

Xiao Xiangrong, dean of the School of Arts and Communication at Beijing Normal University, says that the project will also help college students get recruited for a nationwide program to train 10,000 fresh graduates to work as teachers in 832 counties every year. The program is part of efforts to send more talent to underdeveloped areas in central and western China.

"We wish not only to cultivate outstanding students, but also to nurture great future teachers. Therefore, instead of merely sitting in the classrooms, we encourage students not only to imagine future scenarios, but also to experience the reality of education in rural areas. This experience will greatly benefit their work after graduation," Xiao says.

Li Ruoyu, a 20-year-old university English major, is among the select group of specially recruited students. After completing her studies, she has committed to returning to her hometown in Hebei province to teach at a county school.

She is the lecturer on a sci-fi film in the class in Xining. This is the second time she has joined the annual project. Li says her experience as a "temporary" teacher has made her more confident, bold and composed when dealing with a classroom of children.

Chen Gang, the deputy dean of the arts and communication school, says that a giant screen and projection equipment have been transported to the six regions for outdoor screenings of blockbusters like comedian Shen Teng's Moon Man and the revolutionary epic 1921.

"When night falls, more and more people gathered around the big screen. Besides the children, their parents were also drawn to come. As they stared intently at the outdoor movie, at that moment, you would believe that a film could truly leave an imprint on their lives," he says.

Contact the writer at xufan@chinadaily.com.cn