Private Project

Always be Here

On the eve of her father's funeral, Xuefen saw her younger brother's indifference and the guests' coldness. This plunged Xuefen into an unspeakable absurdity. In the rainy night, Xuefen discovered the connections and bonds left by her father with the flowing water. She thought death would be a torrential rain, but when a cry sounded, the heavy rain never came. Only leaving Xuefen soaked in the warm dampness left by the farewell...

  • Jiaying Wang
    Director
  • Jiaying Wang
    Writer
  • xiaochun Xia
    Producer
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student, Other
  • Runtime:
    18 minutes 27 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    July 31, 2024
  • Country of Origin:
    China
  • Country of Filming:
    China
  • Language:
    Chinese
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    4:3
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Beijing Film Acedamy
Director Biography - Jiaying Wang

Director/Cinema artist, graduated from the Beijing Film Academy. The work focuses on the situation and issues of Asian women, and the creation is aimed at discussing the living context of East Asian women. The style of the work is poetic.
Participated works have been shortlisted for the Shanghai International Film Festival, Beijing International Film Festival, Asian University Student Film Festival.

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Director Statement

In the customs of Suzhou China, the belongings of a deceased relative should be cleaned up immediately to avoid the living being sentimental upon seeing these things, and also to encourage them to look forward and move on. Also, at a funeral, crying is seen as a proof of filial piety by the children, especially daughters. If a daughter does not cry her heart out in front of everyone, she would be considered unfilial. At my grandfather's funeral, I watched my female relatives forced to cry out loud, but I couldn't cry. The only thing left in my mind was my grandfather's little bed from when he was alive, the only thing related to him that was not thrown away.

I thought death would be a downpour, but what's left is a long-lasting dampness.

I wanted to preserve this complex feeling, so I picked up the pen and wrote down this story.