Programs

Absence

FILMeX Competition

Introduction

China / 2023 / 102 min
Director:WU Lang

Jiangyu returns to Hainan Island after spending 10 years in prison. During his absence, the island has undergone major social changes with the development of a housing project. He reunites with his former lover Hong, who runs a small beauty parlor. Presuming that the small girl whom Hong fosters is his daughter, Jiangyu tries to adjust to the new society and rebuild himself... Up-and-coming filmmaker WU Lang's first feature film expands the short film of the same title screened at the Cannes Film Festival. The film is highly socially conscious - set against the backdrop of hundreds of abandoned houses under construction due to poor urban planning and many people in desperate need of housing, but much of this is captured through strong imagery and skilful composition, with minimal exposition. Similarly in the melodramatic element of the film, the protagonists are generally seen as reserved, but the direction is excellent in revealing deep and subtle emotions through small gestures and changes in facial expressions. The film premiered in the Encounters section at the Berlin International Film Festival.

Director:WU Lang

Born in 1991, WU Lang is a Chinese director. After graduating from college with a degree in sculpture, he has actively engaged in teaching, documentary and commercials. In 2021, his short film “Absence” was nominated for Best Short Film at the 74th Cannes Film Festival. His first feature film under the same title "Absence" premiered in Berlinale Encounters competition in 2023, and was invited to New Directors/New Films, Hong Kong International Film Festival's Young Cinema competition, Jeonju Film Festival's international competition, Brussels International Film Festival's competition. etc.

Schedule

11/24(Fri)18:25 -

Yurakucho Asahi Hall

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11/26(Sun)21:05 -

Human Trust Cinema Yurakucho

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