Synopsis

Yangzi, a 10-year-old girl, steals her mom's diary to discover why her mom abandoned her. But her mom does not want to communicate with her. On her grandma's 60th birthday, they have to face each other. Yangzi, a 10-year-old girl, steals her mom's diary to discover why her mom abandoned her. But her mom does not want to communicate with her. On her grandma's 60th birthday, they have to face each other.

Curator’s Note

This film, set in a county town and unfolding through a diary, reveals the life of a female protagonist (Meihui Yu, Yangzi’s mother)—ordinary yet far from mundane. It begins with the daughter, Yangzi’s confusion and discontent following her mother's departure after a divorce. However, through Yangzi's perspective, the film transcends the narrative of missed mother-daughter conversations, offering a glimpse into the the complexities of female growth. The mother, central to this intergenerational narrative, emerges as a compelling figure. Having worked overseas, running a business independently, maintaining her poise and living as a divorcee, her character challenges the norms of her county town milieu with boldness and fervor. Set against the junction area of Yunnan, Sichuan, and Guizhou in China, the protagonist's formidable adaptability and her experiences in non-traditional living resonate powerfully within this southwestern context. The film thus skillfully weaves a rich tapestry of an alternative female existence, artfully portraying the resilience and complexity inherent in women's lives.（Hui Wang)

Director’s bio

With a solid foundation from training at the prestigious New York Film Academy and India Whistling Woods International School, Jue Li has honed her skills in acting and directing in the US, India and China. As an actor, Jue Li showcased her talent in the film "Out of Crimes," selected at the prestigious Warsaw International Film Festival in 2018. As a director, Jue Li has demonstrated her vision and storytelling ability with her short feature film "Landing Report." This short feature earned her a distinguished Youth Film Handbook Jury Special Mention Award in 2020, further solidifying her talent as a director to watch. Now, Jue Li embarks on an exciting new chapter with her highly anticipated full feature film, "Yangzi's Confusion."

Director’s Note

The natural beauty and laid-back atmosphere of Yunnan reminds me of the idyllic countryside of southern France. It was during a family outing, after many years away from home, that the idea for this story came to me. As I observed the stark contrast between urban and rural lifestyles, I couldn't help but feel a sense of disconnect and isolation that seemed to pervade our modern world. This film explores the universal theme of communication breakdowns, revealing how the gap between city and countryside can lead to a loss of human connection. Ultimately, the story is a poignant reminder of the importance of bridging intergenerational divides and finding common ground in an increasingly diverse world.

Festival & Awards

6th Pingyao International Film Festival “Main Competition” Section

13th Beijing International Film Festival “Focus Future” Section

24th Jeonju International Film Festival “World Cinema” Section

17th FIRST International Film Festival “First Frame” Section

Casts

Xiaolei Huang,Yajun Zheng, Zeng Tang, Hongjia Gong

Credits

Screenplay： Jue Li

Producer：Hong Chen

Editing: Dhiraj Kafle

Sound: Jun Luo

Cinematography: Jian Ma

Art Director: Luyue Meng