Larva 孑孓 (2024)
Amidst her turbulent coming-of-age journey as a Chinese student, burdened by academic stress and existential crisis, our protagonist is haunted by relentless butterfly dreams. Seeking solace and understanding, she turns to her friend for a Tarot reading. Yet, they both plunge into a shared dream world where identities blur. Confronting a paradox, she questions: Is she the dreamer or the one dreamed by the butterfly? Lost in her subconscious, she seeks answers. Is this her story or a universal odyssey of coming of age?
The Liquid Market 液态市集, initiated in March 2020, is a research endeavor focusing on traditional Chinese markets. Our mission is to delve into the contemporary aspects of these markets. Employing an interdisciplinary approach, we aim to unearth the intricate relationships among individuals, between people and commodities, and between people and locales. Our upgrading efforts involve the restoration of connections with localities, thereby offering valuable cultural insights for fostering a sustainable future lifestyle.
This TV series is one of the outcomes of this four-year field research. It comprises a total of 5 episodes. Venturing through the market, it invite you to explore the diverse dimensions of time, space, inheritance, skills, spirit, and carnival, providing a comprehensive journey into the various facets of life in Dali Market culture.
Only available on Chinese Tencent Video currently: https://v.qq.com/x/cover/mzc00200qeey7jr/p00484vs5ms.html
Life Under the Tree 树下人间 (2023)
In the historical village of Shaxi, Yunnan, there lies a tale of a remarkable tree, deeply entwined with the lives of the local people. This tree is not merely a part of the landscape; it is the heart of the community. Residents live in harmony with it, drawing sustenance and shelter from its boughs. They prepare meals from its offerings and in turn, nurture it with devoted care. This tree symbolizes a profound bond between humans and nature, a testament to the unique and symbiotic relationship the villagers share with their natural surroundings. It stands as a living emblem of coexistence, where the cycles of life and the rhythms of the earth are intimately understood and respected.
Baiju: conversation with artisans 南京白局 (2021)
In the heart of historic Nanjing, the traditional art of Baiju thrives, a captivating blend of storytelling, music, and drama. This ancient performance art, deeply rooted in Chinese culture, elegantly bridges the past and present, weaving tales that resonate universally. On stage, narratives come alive through expressive voices and gestures, reflecting both folklore and contemporary life. Baiju is not just a performance; it's an immersive cultural journey, echoing the enduring spirit of Nanjing.
Record my Surroundings
In Wellesley's autumn clasp, students in the bell tower, amidst sunlight's gentle dance, immerse in "Phantom of the Opera's" haunting tunes. Outside, winds twirl leaves in a natural ballet, as notes blend with the season's symphony, crafting a harmonious blend of time, music, and autumn's essence.
Perched by the ocean, as the sun descends, I recline on a soft blanket. Around me, people stroll; the sky transitions to shades of pink and deepens. The moon emerges, a silvery beacon. In this serene twilight, each wave seems to carry away sorrows, leaving a tranquil calm in its wake.
Informed by a local, I learned of a unique custom: a trash collection car that arrives each morning and afternoon. Accompanied by traditional ethnic melodies, it's a musical call to the community, reminding them to bring out their rubbish for collection.