My little Apocalypse Diaries

In 2012, as the supposed Mayan apocalypse approaches, a young boy named Liangliang is preparing for his crucial entrance exams to middle school. On the weekend before the predicted end of the world, his father takes him on a trip to visit his new school. During the journey, Liangliang begins to notice strange undercurrents in his parents’ relationship, the sudden and suspicious appearance of his homeroom teacher, and his father’s firm dismissal of the apocalyptic rumors. As these unsettling events unfold, Liangliang’s sense of reality begins to unravel...

  • Siyang Zhang
    Director
  • Siyang Zhang
    Writer
  • Jeep Zhang
    Producer
  • Yuki Gao
    Producer
  • Keson Hu
    Producer
  • Boyu Yu
    Key Cast
    "liang liang"
  • Wencang Liu
    Key Cast
    "Father"
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    周记
  • Project Type:
    Feature, Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Drama, Fantasy, Teen, Short
  • Runtime:
    20 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    October 10, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    20,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    China
  • Language:
    Mandarin Chinese
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital, 4K
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Emerson College
Director Biography - Siyang Zhang

Siyang Zhang is currently pursuing a graduate degree in film at Emerson College in Boston, where he is expected to graduate in 2027. Raised in Xi'an, Shaanxi, China, he completed his undergraduate studies at Chongqing University before moving to the U.S. to further his film education. During his time in China, he directed several narrative and documentary films, which were selected for various Chinese film festivals. My Little Apocalypse Diaries marks his first short film created in the U.S., although much of it was shot in China, with significant post-production work completed at Emerson College. Siyang is now working to build his portfolio as a director in the U.S., with a continued focus on stories shaped by the Chinese society that influenced him—particularly addressing the historical challenges posed by two decades of rapid urbanization.

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Director Statement

My Little Apocalypse Diaries draws from my childhood memories of 2012, when rumors of the Mayan apocalypse were everywhere. For me, the real "end of the world" was the discovery of hidden family tensions and the internal changes that came with growing up. Liangliang’s story mirrors this—a coming-of-age tale set against the backdrop of imagined disaster. His father’s denial of the apocalypse reflects the things we often choose not to confront in life, like family conflicts and personal fears.
Shooting this film allowed me to revisit both my roots in China and my experiences in the U.S., blending the two to create a deeply personal story. I hope it resonates with those moments when life feels uncertain, even if the world doesn’t end.