Film and musical to commemorate late official

Chinese cities aren't the only topics that are on the minds of the nation's filmmakers. 50 years ago in Lankao county, Henan Province, China lost one of its most honest officials Jiao Yulu. The late county party secretary has been honored as one of the country's greatest role models, for his work ethic and full dedication to serve the people. To honor him, filmmakers in Henan produced a documentary and musical to highlight his career.

Jiao Yulu arrived in Lankao County in 1962. Although having served as chief and Party secretary of the county for less than two years, he devoted his life to combating sandstorms, floods and ensuring good harvests in this often unforgiving land. Tragically, he died of liver cancer in 1964 at the age of 42.

His full dedication has not only inspired the residents of Lankao to continue working hard to improve living standards, but Jiao has since been praised as a role model for all government officials.

His life story was adapted into a film in 1990, and a TV series in 2012. To commemorate the 50th anniversary of his death, a musical based on his days in Lankao hit the stage earlier this year. Now the musical is touring all over Henan province.

Meanwhile, a new documentary that traces Jiao Yulu's life made its premiere in Beijing. It's produced by the Henan Film & Television Production company.

The documentary takes audiences on a journey to Jiao Yulu's birth place in Zibo, Shandong province, as well as places he's worked, including Kaifeng and Luoyang. The films hopes to capture a detailed and accurate portrayal of Jiao on top of his well-known achievements in Lankao County.