Cao attributes such quick shifts in sensitivity to her habit of reading the news every day. She says it is a habit influenced by her birthplace, which is home to many high-quality media groups in China.

Be it the factories or new technologies used in her works, Cao's interest always lies in the individuals behind them.

In her films lasting from several minutes to a few hours, various people such as cosplayers, delivery men and students confused about their future, can be subjects in front of her camera.

People under lens

In her 2005 film Milkman, Cao invited Jian Weiming, a Guangzhou vendor working in the food markets, to play the role of a milkman, whose life intertwines with his dreams. Jian sings for customers when they buy his food. Milkman gave Jian the opportunity to perform for customers and share his stories.

When Cao shot Whose Utopia in a bulb factory, a girl named Lin Ailin performed a peacock dance in her delicate dress in a warehouse. The photo of Lin dancing is often used as a promotional shot for Cao's shows overseas.

"The photo of Lin had been on the banner in Fifth Avenue in New York when my show was staged there. Nobody knew who this Chinese girl was," Cao says.