Set in Liaoning, the film tells the melancholy comedy story of a recently laid-off steel worker who, with his friends, sets out to win custody of his musical daughter by fulfilling her wish to live with the parent who can provide her with a piano. Zhang consciously avoids recounting the social issues raised by economic decline in this industrial town, but nevertheless, through comedy succeeds in raising sympathy for the plight of the workers.

A man's goes to unusual lengths to prove his love to his daughter in this family drama from Chinese filmmaker Zhang Meng. Chen Guilin (Wang Qian-yuan) is a man who loves music, and he plays accordion in a semi-pro band in his spare time. But Chen can't support himself on what he makes as a musician, and his job in a steel mill isn't about to make him rich. Chen is deeply devoted to his young daughter Xiao Yuan (Liu Xing-yu), who he's been raising with the only occasional help of his girlfriend Shu Xian (Qin Hai-lu) since Chen's wife Xiao Ju (Jang Shin-yeong) has abandoned the family. Xiao Yuan has shown a remarkable talent as a pianist, and wants a piano of her own so she can practice at home. Chen would love to give her one, but he can't find a piano that he can afford. Matters become more difficult when Xiao Ju returns home to announce she wants a formal divorce, as well as custody of their daughter. Chen doesn't want to give up his daughter, and Xiao Yuan announces she'll stay with whichever parent can get her the piano she wants. Xiao Ju's new beau is considerably wealthier than Chen, so he has to get his girl a piano soon if he wants her to stay; when buying or borrowing and instrument proves impossible, Chen takes an even bolder step -- he'll learn how to build a piano himself. Gang de Qin (aka The Piano In A Factory) received its North American premiere at the 2010 Toronto International Film Festival.

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