In this documentary short film, 16-year-old Yin Yuguo leaves China to pursue his dream of studying Romanian literature and culture. While living in the sparse college town of Bacău, Romania, his enthusiasm for the country inspires everyone he meets. The short is directed by Romanian filmmaker Ilinca Calugareanu, whose debut documentary feature, Chuck Norris vs. Communism, premiered at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival.

When will The Joys and Sorrows of Young Yuguo be released?

It will be available to stream Oct. 6.

Where can I see the trailer for The Joys and Sorrows of Young Yuguo?

Watch the trailer below.

Who is The Joys and Sorrows of Young Yuguo about?

Yin Yuguo is a bright-eyed, studious multilingual Chinese teenager with a passion for Eastern European poetry. To find out more about Yuguo, head over to this guide.

What is the plot of The Joys and Sorrows of Young Yuguo?

The film follows Yin Yuguo as he travels thousands of miles to Romania, where he furthers his studies in culture and literature. Yuguo’s story is told through interviews with his parents, faculty at the Vasile Alecsandri University of Bacău and the people he met along the way. It also includes his own words, read by actor Haoming Jeff Chen.

Where does The Joys and Sorrows of Young Yuguo take place?

It takes place in Romania in the Carpathian Mountains.