Song Fang is the protagonist in her own soberly filmed docudrama, in which she returns from Beijing to the house of her parents in Nanjing. The film is largely set indoors, where Song shares everyday life and many memories with her parents, sister-in-law, brother and niece. Song is always on screen as they talk about relatives living and dead, about more or less successful careers, about old friends, illnesses and accidents, funerals and weddings. A young niece, Diandian, makes disarming comments that provide a lighter note. Between the conversations – that often take place around food – and rare excursions, we catch a glimpse of changing Chinese society. It is obvious that the norms and values of the older generation are being devalued, but that some deep-rooted traditions will probably continue for a very long time. —IFFR
Born in Jiangsu Province, China. Studied film direction at Belgian film and theater school INSAS from 2002. Graduated from the Beijing Film Academy director’s course in 2008. In 2009, her short film made as a graduation production, “Goodbye”, came second in the Cannes Film Festival’s Cinefondation section. In 2011, she directed two episodes in the documentary omnibus “Yulu” produced by Jia Zhang-ke. Made her feature directorial debut with “Memories Look at Me” in 2012. Also played a home tutor in Hou Hsiao-hsien’s “The Flight of the Red Balloon” (07). -Tokyo FILMeX
Minimal, wonderfully true, and with some very powerful moments. Hope to see more by Fang Song.
Our annual round-up of all the posters for the main slate of the New York Film Festival.
A wrap-up overview of Locarno—which turns out to be the last under Artistic Director Olivier Père—its prize-winners and highlights.
