Synopsis
YE Yanan is a student at a military-style boarding school in a different city. According to the school’s regulations, she is required by her teacher to cut off her long hair, which she had been hiding, before the end of the evening study session. This seemingly “small matter” is unacceptable to her. She hesitates, hoping to avoid complying, but eventually receives an ultimatum from her teacher.
In desperation, YE Yanan seeks out her best friend, MA, and prepares to cut her hair, thereby abandoning her unrealistic dream of dancing. However, MA’s words and a small incident make her hesitate once more. Wandering alone through the night in this unfamiliar city, Yanan unexpectedly finds a glimmer of hope. Faced with the choice to flee or accept her fate, she finally makes a decision by dawn.
Liao Youfu
LIAO Youfu, a graduate of the Film College of Hebei University of Science & Technology, has worked in film and advertising as a director for 7 years. He began independently producing films in 2023. CAGE is his first short film as a director.
Director's statement
The idea for this film came from my own experience in high school. At that time, many of my classmates came from poor rural areas, and their only way out was to get into a good university. This led to the adoption of a military-style teaching model. Through the seemingly unimportant matter of cutting hair, I aim to highlight what we lose under such an unreasonable system.
Yanan represents countless students who are trapped in cages created by their families and schools. Her dream of dancing is a metaphor for the many unfulfilled aspirations these students hold.
