Behind-the-scenes footage

Video by Xu Shuntian

“Shifu” is an in-the-making Chinese-English documentary series produced by Shenzhen Daily that highlights Shenzhen’s intangible cultural heritage legacies. Divided into four episodes, the series offers an intimate exploration of four iconic local intangible cultural heritage items, capturing the essence and wisdom passed down through generations in this young and modern metropolis.

The decision to choose “Shifu” as the title for the documentary was based on its rich connotations. In Chinese, the term “Shifu” is a homonym that can be written as “师傅” or “师父,” each carrying distinct meanings. When written as “师傅,” “Shifu” is an honorable term used to refer to skilled craftsmen. On the other hand, when written as “师父,” “Shifu” represents a teacher or mentor.

In the series, we invited Rafael Antonio Saavedra Molina from Venezuela to become an apprentice and student of intangible cultural heritage inheritors, embarking on a journey to experience and learn their diverse traditional crafts and skills.

Rafael Antonio Saavedra Molina from Venezuela learns making a bamboo hat from Zhang Ruizheng while hosting for Shenzhen Daily’s documentary “Shifu” at Gankeng Community in Longgang District in August. Liu Xudong

Saavedra, who has lived in Shenzhen for many years, not only works as a social media influencer but also a Shenzhen Global Communication Ambassador. With a deep passion for Chinese culture, he frequently creates videos that capture cultural highlights across various domains through his creative endeavors.

A view of part of Gankeng Ancient Town. Liu Xudong

In the pilot episode, Saavedra and the Shenzhen Daily team visited Gankeng Community in Longgang District. The community is home to the idyllic Gankeng Ancient Town, adjacent to which lies an intangible cultural heritage hub known as Liangmao (bamboo hat) New Village. In the village, three revered craftsmen — Zhang Guanxian, Zhang Ruizheng and Zhu Yixiang — actively engage in preserving Gankeng’s Hakka bamboo hat-making tradition.

During his apprenticeship, Saavedra learned how to make a bamboo hat from the “shifus” with great enthusiasm and excitement.

Saavedra wears a bamboo hat. Xu Shuntian

Reflecting on the experience, he exclaimed: “Behind a deceptively simple hat is a multitude of intricate procedures and meticulous preparations. While we usually perceive this hat as a mere accessory or see others wearing it, discovering the process behind its creation has been truly enlightening. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and gain insights into the craftsmanship involved.”

Behind every documentary lies the collective effort of a dedicated team. The Shenzhen Daily production team worked tirelessly during the production to capture the wonderful moments of the hat-making process and the interaction between the “shifus” and Saavedra.

Saavedra makes a bamboo hat under the instruction of Zhu Yixiang in Longgang. Liu Xudong

Behind-the-scenes footage of the first episode of “Shifu” is now available for viewing, with the full episode anticipated for imminent release.

Production for the series is still ongoing. Please stay tuned to find out who Rafael will choose as his next “shifu” on this remarkable journey.