The film tells the story of a young teacher who, during the first seventeen years of the People's Republic of China, approaches the teaching of her students with a humanistic philosophy, which leads to problems with authorities.
September was based on a screenplay by the writer Yan Tingting who was contracted with the Kunming Film Studio.
[1] Taking on the project, Tian changed parts of Yan's screenplay, including the ending.
As a result, Tian's inserted scenes were cut leading the director to feel that much of his vision was ultimately compromised.
[1]: 60 In contrast to his earlier works, September also marked Tian Zhuangzhuang's first official run-in with Chinese censors, although Chinese television had refused to air his short film, Our Corner which he co-directed while still in the Beijing Film Academy.