UK Premiere

Animation | 7 minutes | 2021

Directed by Yufei Liu

We have many emotions that have not been observed. In this film, "I" has a feeling of fear of being doubted by others because of a cup of coffee that has not been thrown away. The whole film revolves around the observation of this emotion. By depicting four trivial things that are growing up, and tracing the reasons for its formation, "I" finally sees the appearance of this emotion.

Yufei Liu: I am very pleased that my film was shortlisted at the first edition of MINT Chinese Film Festival. It is quite a coincidence that How I Grew Up features a lot of purple elements just as the MINT, somehow making this encounter more like a destiny. I feel grateful that the festival committee and audiences can feel the emotions conveyed through my work. May the MINT have a bright future.

UK Premiere

Drama | 29 minutes | 2022

Directed by Shihan Tan

After scratching by a wild cat, full-time housewife LIU discovers a recent pregnancy with her second-child, when the two-child policy was just released.

Shihan Tan: The MINT’s emphasis on women’s cinema aligns well with my philosophy of filmmaking. I am delighted that my film could be shown in the UK which makes emotions to transcend national boundaries. I hope to see the MINT continue to focus on women’s issues and showcase more films dealing with them.

UK Premiere

Drama | 20 minutes | 2022

Directed by Zhizi Hao

An 8-year-old boy searching for fireworks on Chinese New Year’s Eve, after the firework ban was introduced in this southern Chinese town.

UK Premiere

Documentary, Experimental
| 10 minutes | 2019

Directed by Pahriya Ghalip, Ina luna Gundersen

Two film students from two completely different cultures are reflecting around something as simple as hair. Between Lillehammer, Norway and Beijing, China, two girls are talking about their own experiences with body hair. Even though these two girls have never met in real life, and a distance of 7000 km is separating them, they made one movie together about the differences and similarities on the subject. Why is it so, whether you are from the east or the west, society wants to control your hair one way or another?

Pahriya Ghalip: When the MINT touring exhibitions came to Beijing, I felt a sense of intimacy, as if the exhibition had been a gathering of friends. I met director Sha He whose work was also selected for screenings in the MINT, as well as a lovely audience. It is truly inspiring to meet other dedicated female directors. Our discussion went from motifs of creation to life experiences. We shared with each other our recent inspirations excitedly. This is one of the most significant aspects of attending a film festival.

UK Premiere

Drama| 9 minutes | 2022

Directed by Guorong Zhang

In the mountains of the north, there lives a mother, her children and grandchildren live in the south, they have taken root in their homeland for most of their lives, near the New Year, the son goes home to take the elderly mother to live in the south, in the face of the sudden son, the mother is a little overwhelmed, she is particularly reluctant to move away from the homeland. In the face of parting, the mother began to think and sigh about life, in the face of parting, how should the mother choose?

Guorong Zhang: The MINT Chinese Film Festival attracted lots of audiences at its first edition. The viewing experience was comfortable and free-spirited. During the festival, I met many like-minded filmmakers, and we learned from each other. After the screenings of my work, I received feedback from plenty of audiences. The feedback is a mix of praise and criticism. I greatly appreciate that. Inspirations and emerging forces can only occur from the clash of different ideas.