Synopsis
Mom always braided my hair so tightly that it carved a distinct path atop my head. But one day, she cut off the carefully braided hair. Along the path, I touched our unbreakable inner attachment and the journey of female growth we were both unprepared to face.
Zhang Chenxi
ZHANG Chenxi, a Chinese independent animation artist, explores the delicate emotions and subtle contradictions in human relationships through hand-drawn animation, seamlessly integrating material experimentation to elevate the narrative and create captivating visual experiences. Her works capture the unspoken intricacies between individuals, unveiling a realm of unexpressed sentiments.
Director's statement
This lifetime is filled with moments akin to when my mom used to braid my hair. The stages of being a girl, a young woman, a wife, a mother—these phases always seem somewhat disconnected from the past. We are forced to grow intentionally or unintentionally, unprepared for what lies ahead. Now, I’ve reached a point where I must admit my moments of hesitance to move forward. Yet, I dare not show immaturity. But when I see our similar short hair and hair parting, I realize we share similar traces of growth and struggles. Presently, both my mom and I are moving forward passively, pretending to be strong. In this case, let me choose to be someone not strong! Mom, can I come back to be with you on this journey?
