A newly introduced ban on fireworks in a town in the South of China is changing people's lives: The manager of a local firework shop is forced to close his business for good, another business man grasps an opportunity and begins selling electric firecrackers, and a local community leader begins patrolling the neighbourhood, being vigilant for anyone breaking the new ban…

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On the Chinese New Year's Eve, an 8-year-old boy, Dian Dian sets out his journey, searching for fireworks. Through his eyes, we see how different people are adapting their traditions under the new regulations, and how Dian Dian finds what he’s looking for, although not what he expected.

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Amidst the heat and noise of the most joyful holiday in China, there is a sensational explosion of sounds that draws the entire town into confusion, surprise, and delight. Following an eight-year-old boy’s adventure, this tale of Chinese New Year’s Eve voices the drama ignited by the ban on firecrackers. Simple yet sumptuous, Zhizi HAO’s London Film School graduation film richly portrays the subtle changes that unfold in a small town through a panoply of everyday characters. Beautifully paced with a pleasant twist at the end, A FIRECRACKER STORY gives a unique glimpse into the loss and search for happiness in a swiftly changing world.