All Roads Lead To Home (2026)

All Roads Lead To Home (2026), also known as Going Home or The Guide, is a poignant Chinese mainland drama film directed by Hsu Tsao-jen and produced by Suzhou Yuanqi Infinity Film Co., Ltd. among others. Starring Zhang Zhen, Chang Chen-ning, and Joseph Chang, with special appearances by Simon Yam and Ma Sichun, the movie explores themes of longing, redemption, and the deep-seated desire for closure. The narrative centers on Liu Dewen, a community leader in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, who embarks on a decades-long mission to help elderly veterans buried in the 'Heping Villa' return their ashes to their ancestral homes in mainland China.

Based on the true story of Liu Dewen, who spent over 22 years transporting nearly 400 sets of ashes across the strait, the film highlights the emotional and logistical challenges faced by those bridging the geographical and political divide. Released under the title Yin Lu Ren (The Guide) in some contexts, the production involved a cross-strait collaboration, with filming taking place in real locations such as the ancient city of Quanzhou, Fujian Province. Lead actor Zhang Zhen prepared extensively for his role by interacting directly with the real-life Liu Dewen to capture the nuances of his daily life and the solemnity of his task.

The film was officially announced with its cast lineup on July 23, 2026, coinciding with the release of its concept poster and early trailer. It made a notable appearance at the 'Bay Area Bright Moon' 2026 Greater Bay Area Film and Music Gala in Macau in September, where key creative team members and the story's原型 Liu Dewen were present. As a project grounded in historical reality and humanistic values, it aims to resonate with audiences interested in stories of perseverance and familial duty.

• The film is adapted from the real-life efforts of Liu Dewen, a neighborhood chief in Zuoying District, Kaohsiung, who began this journey in 2003 after a dying veteran asked him to bring his ashes home.
• Director Hsu Tsao-jen collaborated with producers from both sides of the Taiwan Strait to ensure cultural authenticity and historical respect in the storytelling.
• Lead actor Zhang Zhen engaged in deep dialogue with the real Liu Dewen to understand the psychological weight and physical demands of escorting ashes across international borders.
• Principal photography was conducted on location in Quanzhou, Fujian, utilizing the city's historical architecture to provide an authentic backdrop for the characters' ancestral journeys.
• The movie features a star-studded ensemble including Joseph Chang and Chang Chen-ning, marking a significant convergence of top-tier talent from the region in a socially conscious drama.