Reflecting on Algorithms: A Director’s Debut Focused on Delivery Riders and Programmers

In August 2024, two feature films about the food delivery industry were released. Simultaneously, Hangzhou saw two sudden incidents involving delivery riders: in August, a clash between a rider and a security guard sparked collective protests among nearby riders; in September, a “top-tier” rider died suddenly on his e-bike, triggering nationwide mourning and discussion. *Another Hopeful Day*, a film that explores the stories of delivery platform programmers and riders while reflecting on the logic of algorithms, was filmed in Hangzhou.

After watching *Another Hopeful Day*, the Foodthink editorial team found it to be not only the most profound exploration of food delivery and algorithms on film, but also a rare masterpiece of realism in recent years, capturing life during the pandemic when the film was shot in 2022. Those who have endured the turbulence of the last few years will likely find countless points of resonance in the film. As director Liu Taifeng put it: this is a film for everyone.

On 4 September 2024, we spoke with the film’s director, Liu Taifeng, and producer, Zhu Tong, about the creative journey and reflections behind the project, and how we, as ordinary people, can navigate our lives and truly see one another in the face of powerful algorithms and platforms. We hope this film and this podcast episode encourage everyone to hold onto the belief that hope can be found for the future, even when faced with the bleakness of today’s social reality—and like the protagonist, Weili, to make the right choice.

*Another Hopeful Day* is currently showing nationwide. We strongly recommend finding a cinema near you to experience it and leaving us a message to share your thoughts.

This Episode’s Guests

Liu Taifeng

Director and Screenwriter of the film *Another Hopeful Day*

Zhu Tong

Producer of the film *Another Hopeful Day*

This Episode’s Hosts

Wang Hao

Editor at Foodthink, focusing on issues of labour and technology.

Tianle

Founding Editor of Foodthink and convenor of the Beijing Organic Farmers’ Market; avoids ordering food delivery as much as possible in both work and life.

Zheng Yuyang

Editor at Foodthink, a “Beijing drifter” originally from Heilongjiang. To fund his living expenses before starting postgraduate studies, he worked as a delivery rider for four months. He currently focuses on digital technology, agricultural tech, and sustainable development.

Timeline

01:56 In-depth research into delivery riders before filming: unfair contract terms, partnership agreements, and precarious work

08:05 Delivery riders trapped in the system, filmmakers trapped in the system; everything revolves around traffic and data

09:52 A near-miss traffic accident sparks a reflection on the stories of ordinary people behind the city’s high-speed operation, leading to the creation of the script

14:58 Beyond the daily routine of late deliveries and riding against traffic, there is a human side to their lives

16:21 Everyone is trapped in the algorithm: programmers’ KPIs, performance reviews, promotions, and layoffs

23:34 Within the system, no one can afford the arrival of a sudden disaster

28:21 Where is the value of our work? Where is the dignity of the worker? Does “serving the people” still hold meaning today?

31:04 Why do we strive so hard for a living, yet feel so spiritually exhausted?

34:27 Catering is collapsing, while platforms are ascending

37:51 The shortcuts of delivery, the neglect of food safety; do delivery riders eat the food they deliver?

39:54 A distorted low-price system, a vicious cycle; in the end, it is our health that pays the price

45:14 The fragile middle class: health and assets that crumble at the slightest touch

50:53 Why must workers’ rights and lives give way to platform reports and data?

55:44 Upcoming screening plans for the film

Official poster for the film *Another Hopeful Day*.

Precarious work that cannot withstand any sudden disaster.

Regardless of class, everyone is trapped in the system.

Who is the one truly creating value? Whose eyes see only profit?

Director Liu Taifeng on set. Interestingly, in the final film, none of the riders in yellow uniforms bear the Meituan name or logo.

The film was shot in Hangzhou in the summer of 2022; the extensive use of real locations allows the audience to see daily life during the pandemic on screen.

Further Reading

1. Renwu Magazine *Delivery Riders, Trapped in the System*

2. Sun Ping, *Transitional Labour*

3. “Stranger Portrait Project”: *Rider’s Diary Series*, a long-term, comprehensive look at the plight and stories of delivery riders across the country

4. Previous Food Talk episode *Film vs Reality: What is the Life of a Real Delivery Rider Like? | Vol. 38*

5. Foodthink *The Suffering of Riders and the Anxiety of the Middle Class: Who Can Save Whom?*

6. Mr. Manufacture *Lawyers in the Orthopaedic Emergency Room: Car Accidents, Assembly Lines, and the Price of a Human*

7. Chiapas East Wind TV *What is Labour Realism: Discussing Two Theatrical Films About Delivery Riders*

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