Thirty years ago, thousands of farmers migrated from a remote village in the desert to a city along the banks of the Yellow River. As they acclimate to their new life, the traditional folk songs that they sang are gradually fading into oblivion. Ga Song learns the songs as a way to improve his stammer. Even though it does not cure him of his condition, he acquires a deep fondness for his hometown folklore. 

Later in his life, he travels between cities and the countryside, collecting folk songs to perform. As he gradually gains fame, he is invited to sing for China's most popular show, China's Got Talent. However, his journey is not one without struggle. Ga Song is stricken with conflicting emotions toward his new life in the big city and his hometown. When the moment comes for him to be on the show, he abruptly decides to quit and returns home. How will he come to terms with his own upbringing and this new world?

Nan Zhang’s visually striking documentary Stammering Ballad (2018) is a beautiful portrait of a young Chinese singer finding his way. Join us for a weekend-long screening of Stammering Ballad.

Stammering Ballad

Genre: Documentary
Duration: 90 minutes
Director: Nan Zhang
Language: Chinese
Subtitles: English

Watch the official trailer for Stammering Ballad.

How to Watch
Register for free via Eventive to stream this film. Viewing instructions for the film will be emailed to all registrants. This film screening via Eventive is only available in the following authorized regions: United States of America, Australia, Hong Kong, Philippines, India, Japan, Korea, and Switzerland. The film is not available to stream in countries not listed as an authorized region. For any further questions, reach out to [email protected].

This program is presented by Asia Society Museum and Asia Society Southern California as part of Asia Society at the Movies, a series that showcases a broad range of films and filmmakers from across Asia and the Asian diaspora.

This screening is made possible by CNEX.

Asia Society at the Movies
Asia Society is proud to present Asia Society at the Movies, a new series of film screenings and conversations showcasing a broad range of films and filmmakers from across Asia and the Asian diaspora. Asia Society at the Movies celebrates established and emerging voices, contemporary films and classics, and documentaries. The series builds on Asia Society’s long and rich history of film programming. This initiative also serves to deepen understanding of Asian cultures—a core part of Asia Society’s mission since its creation. Learn more about the Asia Society at the Movies initiative.

About Asia Society Museum
Asia Society Museum presents a wide range of traditional, modern, and contemporary exhibitions of Asian and Asian American art, taking new approaches to familiar masterpieces and introducing under-recognized arts and artists. The Asia Society Museum Collection comprises a traditional art collection, including the initial bequests of Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd, and a contemporary art collection. Through exhibitions and public programs, Asia Society provides a forum for the issues and viewpoints reflected in both traditional and contemporary Asian art and in Asia today.

About Asia Society Southern California
Established in Los Angeles in 1985, Asia Society Southern California (ASSC) is ideally situated at the gateway to the Asia-Pacific region. ASSC has played a pivotal role through creative programs and activities in increasing shared knowledge, enhancing dialogue, and furthering cultural exchanges transcending regional boundaries. As part of the global Asia Society, which was founded more than 60 years ago in New York City, ASSC has launched many creative initiatives and programs addressing current issues of importance across the fields of the arts, culture, policy, business, and education.