Experiencing Interruptions?

BURNING IN FEVER

In a rural village in southwestern China, an unknown epidemic ravages the community. Village doctor Hu Shouyun and his apprentice fight to contain the outbreak with modern medicine, but their efforts falter as the disease spreads. Overwhelmed by fear, the villagers turn to superstition, believing divine intervention is the only cure. Struggling against the tide of traditional beliefs, Hu Shouyun faces mounting pressure and begins to question his faith in science, leading both him and his apprentice down a path of despair and surrender to the supernatural.

  • Guiling Shi
    Director
  • Guiling Shi
    Writer
  • Ziyi Hua
    Producer
  • Jingwen Li
    Co-director
  • Shuya Dong
    Executive producer
  • Weichen Zhang
    Director of Photography
  • Zikun Xu
    Gaffer
  • Liuru Chen
    Production Designer
  • Guiling Shi
    Editor
  • Meng Xiang
    Music
  • Xingyu Guo
    Production Coordinator
  • Project Type:
    Student
  • Runtime:
    11 minutes 31 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    June 1, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    74,269 CNY
  • Country of Origin:
    Korea, Republic of
  • Country of Filming:
    China
  • Language:
    Chinese
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Kyunghee University
Director Biography - Guiling Shi

Guiling Shi is a filmmaker currently pursuing a Master of Letters (MLitt) in Film and Television Studies at the University of Glasgow. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Theater and Film from Kyung Hee University.

Guiling has directed and written the short film Burning in Fever, showcasing his ability to create emotionally charged narratives. He has also contributed as a production assistant on the short film Drowned Fish and acted as the male lead in The Funeral That Never Was, demonstrating his versatility in both behind-the-camera and on-screen roles.

His work is characterized by a strong focus on storytelling, as well as an interest in exploring the depths of human emotions and relationships. With a background in both film and theater, Guiling brings a unique perspective to his projects, blending visual and performative elements to create impactful cinematic experiences.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

As a filmmaker, my work is deeply influenced by my academic interests in queer cinema, Third Cinema, folklore, and dark comedy. I believe in the power of film to explore marginalized identities and challenge societal conventions. Drawing from the radical spirit of Third Cinema, my films seek to provoke thought and foster critical engagement with issues of power, identity, and resistance, all while embracing the humor and absurdity of human existence.

In queer cinema, I find inspiration in narratives that defy traditional gender and sexuality norms. I am fascinated by how film can subvert expectations, offering alternative visions of identity and belonging. Through this lens, I aim to create stories that embrace fluidity and explore the complexities of sexual and personal identity, pushing boundaries in a way that is both impactful and intimate.

The influence of Third Cinema, with its focus on social and political change, informs my approach to filmmaking. Like Third Cinema filmmakers, I strive to challenge dominant narratives and create work that speaks to the underrepresented and the oppressed. My films are often concerned with the intersection of personal and collective struggles, reflecting the tensions between individual identity and broader social movements.

Folklore and dark comedy are also key elements in my work. The use of folklore allows me to connect with cultural traditions and explore the deeper, often darker aspects of human experience. Dark comedy, in turn, offers a unique way to address complex and uncomfortable topics, balancing tragedy and humor to highlight the absurdity of life. This combination allows me to explore serious themes in a way that is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.

Ultimately, I aim to create films that are both challenging and entertaining, combining subversive narratives with cultural depth and emotional complexity. By blending these influences, I hope to contribute to a cinematic language that is both politically engaged and artistically innovative, telling stories that push the boundaries of what film can be and what it can mean.