Synopsis

On a surfing trip, a female couple with an age difference attempts to navigate their uncertain relationship. Yet after an unexpected change in circumstance, they each begin to see themselves and their relationship in a new light.

Curator‘s Note

Waves come and go, clouds drift and return, much like our connection with the world, puzzling yet dazzling. The story begins with a surfing experience of a couple of lesbian lovers. While facing the expectations of the mainstream modern community and the responsibilities of a traditional Chinese family, their ambiguous relationship is constantly challenged. After the unexpected and tragic passing of a family member, the lovers are forced to accept the harsh reality and start questioning their values of existence. Using poetic compositions and saturated colours, Yang as a Chinese female director encapsulates the emotional nuances within Asian queer romance whilst embodying the inner dilemma that present-day individuals share regarding their positions in society. (Minxi Zheng)

Director’s Bio

Yulin Yang is a Chinese director and screenwriter, who holds a MFA degree in filmmaking from NYU Tisch. His films endeavors to poetically capture the subtle nuances of ambivalent human relationships and the alienated moments intertwined.

Director’s Note

This film is inspired by my personal experience – a relationship that goes against the traditional familial values and is frowned upon by mainstream society. Struggling with the disconnection between self-identity and inherent social expectations, we often feel stuck and lost. We are confronted with a choice – to escape for temporary security or to face the harsh reality heads on. With this film, I want to capture that moment of choice, of choosing to redefine our identities, our relationships, our emotions and even our perceptions of existence at the moment. I want the audience to see the modern day relationship – ambiguous and uneasily defined – as well as see the distance and loneliness that comes along with it.

Festival & Awards

Krakow Film Festival 2023 International Competition

Casts

Fang Huang Lu Tong Jin Jing Male Surfer Li Chujiu Female Surfer Haoyu

Credits

Executive Producer Huang Lu

Director of Photography Cecile Zhang

Edited by Yang Yulin Clara Dubau

Co-Producers Wu Zhu, Han Yumeng

Production Designer Wang Kunlin

Costume Designer Liang Jiang’er

Sound Mixer Lou Kun

Sound Design/Mix Bobo Lau