Wanderers in the sea of smog. Framing nature and environmental crisis in Jia Zhangke’s short films

This paper examines the environmental-themed short films of Chinese filmmaker Jia Zhangke—Black Breakfast (2008), Smog Journeys (2015), and Visit (2020)—through the lens of Chinese ecocinema. Employing an integrated methodology that combines environmental discourse analysis with film studies, the research explores Jia’s cinematic engagement with ecological issues, particularly in relation to production contexts and thematic narratives. Focusing on his construction and communication of environmental discourse, the study analyzes how Jia frames nature and environmental crisis through cinematographic techniques such as framing, color palettes, symbolism, and sound design. Addressing global challenges including pollution, climate change, and the COVID-19 pandemic, Jia’s films intertwine local cultural narratives with broader ecological anxieties. Ultimately, his work critiques environmental degradation while fostering awareness and urging collective action before the consequences become irreversible.