Synopsis
A small-town single mother desperately tries to get her daughter into China’s top universities to change both their destinies, only to realize they are in grave danger.
Yan Xiaolin
Born in 1988, YAN Xiaolin is a director and writer based in Beijing. Despite never attending film school, his screenplay A FAMILY WITH TROUBLES was selected for the HAF Lab in 2018 and shortlisted for the top 10 programs in the Young Director Support Program organized by the China Film Directors Guild.
Director's statement
The character of the mother, Wei, is somewhat of a stickler, which starkly contrasts with the heroines in ZHANG Yimou’s films. However, Wei’s determination and recklessness are driven by her circumstances, making her experience a form of rebellion against her environment and the injustices of fate. She embodies a strong desire for dignity and equality.
