Synopsis
SHENG Lan, a female worker in a Dongguan factory, tirelessly assembles watch straps on the assembly line every day. She feels out of place in the factory’s lively atmosphere, finding solace only in Xiaoshan, whom she sees as another lonely soul like herself. She kept her feelings for Xiaoshan hidden until his sudden disappearance plunged her into despair. Unintentionally, she summoned Xiaoshan’s ghost, plunging her life into an even deeper mire.
Chen Fang
From the Chaoshan area in Guangdong, China, CHEN Fang holds a Master's degree in Filmmaking from the China Film Art Research Center. She is dedicated to creating genre films with a personal touch, navigating the space between commercial and artistic cinema while continuously exploring and uncovering unique perspectives in female narratives. In 2022, her feature film script MS. WANG CAILING was selected for the 13th "Supporting Outstanding Youth Film and Drama Program". Additionally, several of her short films have been showcased at various film festivals.
Director's statement
The stagnant, unchanging environment extinguishes the vibrancy of individuals like SHENG Lan. SHENG Lan struggles desperately to break free from the net of fate, but her efforts may amount to nothing more than futile resistance. Her obsession with and reliance on ghosts, a result of the oppressive factory environment, serve as an escape from her reality. Yet, no change seems forthcoming. When love and a sense of belonging become luxuries, perhaps letting go of her desires is the only way for her to live without worry. She returns to familiar surroundings, seeking shelter for safety, only to discover that numbness offers the best solace.
