Directed by Anthony Chen • 2023 • China, Singapore
Starring Zhou Dongyu, Liu Haoran, Qu Chuxiao
Three lost souls find tentative connection in a frozen world in this delicate, lyrical tone poem of youthful alienation and longing. In cold, wintry Yanji, a city on China’s northeastern border, young urbanite Haofeng (Liu Haoran), visiting from Shanghai, feels lost and adrift. By chance, he goes on a tour led by Nana (Zhou Dongyu), a charming guide who instantly fascinates him and who introduces him to Xiao (Qu Chuxiao), a personable but frustrated restaurant worker. Over the course of a drunken weekend, the three quickly bond as they confront their individual traumas and their desires slowly thaw.
Up Next in 21st Century Cinema
-
i get so sad sometimes
Directed by Trishtan Perez • 2021 • Philippines
Starring JC Santiago, Karl Louie Caminade, Russ LigtasIn the small town of Pagadian in the Philippines, a gay teenager eagerly waits for a mature man to finally reveal his face after developing an anonymous sexual relationship with him online.
-
The Gossips of Cicadidae
Directed by Vahn Leinard Pascual • 2022 • Philippines
Starring Rolando Inocencio, AJ Benoza, Alleison DimatulacDrawing on silent-film aesthetics from a bygone era, this mesmerizing monochrome short tells a story of forbidden love. A young boy struggles with feeling trapped in his inherited role...
-
Bold Eagle
Directed by Whammy Alcazaren • 2022 • Philippines
Starring Ricky Davao, Gio Gahol, luckymaybe1923Trapped at home with his talking cat, a man seeks refuge in the strong arms of strange men as together they venture deep down into the nether regions of the Internet in search of true happiness. Cau...