Synopsis
As a freshman on the brink of adulthood, I turned my camera towards a senior about to graduate. Unexpectedly, this intermittent filming lasted four years, resulting in my first feature-length documentary. Pressing the start button brought me more than just moments of confusion and perseverance amid the passage of time; it also prompted a re-evaluation of life and values.
Yang Xinyi
Yang Xinyi was born on 3 December 2000 in Changsha, Hunan Province, and graduated from Modern Creative Media College of Beijing Film Academy.
In 2020, she independently produced the short documentary film GOING HOME, BETTER, which won the Best Film Award in the Anti-Epidemic Unit of the 13th Shenzhen Youth Image Festival;
In 2021, she directed the independent short film HI, MY FEET and served as screenwriter and editor.
From 2019-2023, she independently produced the documentary feature film THEN, I GRADUATED as a producer, director, cinematographer, and editor. This film is the director's maiden work.
Director's statement
As a large demographic in our society, college students face numerous complex issues—the conflicts between ideals and reality, individuals and society, career and love, and the problem of class immobility. These problems often seem to be ignored or avoided. As a college student myself, I attempted to uncover the reasons behind these issues and find solutions, but the difficulty was far greater than expected. By the end of the film, these problems still persist and continue to repeat.
At the same time, I documented my thought process over the past four years. This film also serves as a portrayal of the director’s self-understanding and personal growth.
