The recently released film 'Mumu' is garnering attention for its intimate portrayal of the deaf and hard-of-hearing community in China.

Premiering on April 3, 2025, in Beijing, the drama follows the relationship between a deaf father, Xiao Ma, portrayed by pop icon Lay Zhang, and his hearing daughter, Mumu, played by child actress Li Luoan.

Directed by Sha Mo, the film explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the unique challenges faced by individuals with hearing impairments.

'Mumu' builds on the director's earlier short film of the same name, focusing on Xiao Ma's determined efforts to secure a better life for his daughter, which unfortunately leads him into a web of criminal deception.

The film includes contributions from over 30 individuals with hearing impairments, many of whom had no prior acting experience.

Their authentic performances are said to lend emotional weight to the film’s narrative.

Director Sha Mo began engaging with the deaf community after researching their experiences.

He expressed a desire to provide larger-scale representation for this marginalized group.

During pre-production, he and screenwriter Fu Dandi conducted interviews with numerous deaf individuals to better understand their lives.

Sha noted that this community experiences significant informational barriers, making them particularly susceptible to scams.

The film reflects a disturbing reality for China's estimated 30 million individuals with hearing impairments.

Sha commented on how deceptive schemes can mislead this population, often leading them to believe they are merely helping a friend.

Screenwriter Fu emphasized the importance of communication access, stating that without interpreters, deaf individuals may rush into agreements without comprehending the potential risks, resulting in preventable legal issues.

Lay Zhang’s selection for the lead role was influenced by his previous work in crime cinema, specifically noted for his role in 'No More Bets,' which achieved significant box office success.

Zhang undertook rigorous preparation for his role, including wearing earplugs during rehearsals to simulate a deaf person’s experience and dedicating time to learn sign language.

His preparation involved collaboration with sign language advisor Chi Yaoming and direct engagement with members of the deaf community.

During the film's premiere, a touching moment occurred when Li Luoan expressed her admiration for Zhang’s portrayal, giving him a rating of 100 out of 100 for his performance, to which he humorously responded with 120 out of 100, attributing the additional points to his affection for her.

Their exchange highlighted the emotional core of their characters' relationship in the film.

In support of the film's themes, the production crew implemented thoughtful measures, such as red and green signal lights to facilitate communication during filming and the creation of accessibility guides.

These initiatives fostered an inclusive environment on set, allowing both hearing and deaf cast members and crew to collaborate effectively.

In a public commitment to raising awareness for the deaf community, Lay Zhang has pledged to include sign language interpretation at all his future concerts and has already invited friends with hearing impairments to attend his performances.

At the film's premiere, he delivered a message in sign language through an interpreter, urging the audience to learn sign language and enhance mutual understanding within society.