* la perla gelato: 25th anniversary
#documentary #laperla
To mark the 25th anniversary of La Perla Gelato, this short documentary looks back on the founder’s journey — beginning with a summer job at a gelato shop in Milan in 1993, and leading to the creation of a local gelato brand in Shanghai. Spanning more than two decades, the story reflects not only the evolution of a business, but also the transformations the city has undergone over time.
The film traces the brand’s gradual development — from its early relocation across countries, to becoming a supplier for five-star hotels, to constant experimentation with inventive flavours. Over time, these trials deepened the team's understanding of local ingredients and craft. Behind every product lies a combination of instinct, refinement, and accumulated experience.
For the founder, this path wasn’t driven by a grand vision or strong passion from the start, but by an interest that grew through years of practice — sustained by focus and a deepening respect for the craft. As he puts it: “Do the work first, and love it as you go.”
credits
director - Yixin Shen
executive producer - Yebeini Wang
interviewer - Siwei Huang
content writer - Siwei Huang, Yixin Shen
cinematographer - Lizi
photographer - Wenxianren
art director - Keke
editor - Yixin Shen
sound design - Yixin Shen
colorist - Yixin Shen
graphic design - Tianze Luo
cast
Haifeng Chen
published date
06.2025