“Film ‘Best Friend’ shines light on autism with compassion and warmth” article Posted on December 5, 2025 By Zhang Rui
China.org.cn – read full article…
Directed by Song Zhuofei, the film tells the story of a reclusive high school student, who unexpectedly enters the live of a teenager with autism, and his sister. The storyline follows the three as they grow with one another through companionship and friction.
The audience follows the storyline through a lens that encourages understanding of the autism community. Throughout the narrative, the film weaves a profound sense of social awareness, striving to convey empathy through visuals.
“I feel this movie is about ‘removing labels,'” said director Song. “Human beings are actually very complex, and each individual is very different. The same goes for the autism community. So this film also explores a deeper theme, which is ‘mutual understanding.’ I hope it can help everyone understand this community better and support a more inclusive environment for them.”
At the end of the premiere, a representative from the Business Development Center of the Red Cross Society of China presented director Song Zhuofei and actors Yang Zhihe and Duan Aojuan with “Charity Ambassador” certificates. The film’s release on Dec. 5 coincided with International Volunteer Day.
After receiving the honors, the creators affirmed that it was not just an award but a lasting responsibility. They pledged to continue using their public platform to raise awareness for the autism community and to take tangible action to “make the world a little brighter.”
The story behind “Best Friend“
“Best Friend” film director, Travis Song got the inspiration for the movie when he heard the story about Adam and Cole, two young people so extremely different that they were never supposed to become friends in the world we live. One youth had autism, and the other was lost and looking for purpose after several traumatic events that took place in his life. Fate brought the two together and they became best friends.
Here is the story of film evolution: Feature film “Best Friend” brings hope through a new outlook at autism.
