Documentary, due to hit nationwide cinemas on Aug 31, weaves a contemporary story around an ancient, mysterious script called nyushu, Cheng Yuezhu reports.

With an origin and history shrouded in mystery, nyushu, a type of phonetic script, was passed down among the women of Jiangyong county, Yongzhou, Hunan province.

Its name gives away its distinct feature. Literally meaning "women's writing", the script was used exclusively by local women, who expressed or communicated with each other about their own experiences and sentiments.

While it is no longer in use in everyday life, Jiangyong Nyushu was listed in 2006 in the first batch of China's national-level intangible cultural heritage, with women working to pass down this tradition and carrying on the female power it represents.