Nocturne
A young Latin-American boy, seeking acceptance from a local gang, forms an unexpected bond with a solitary, wheelchair-bound elder in a lifeless house, leading to a dreamy and transformative journey of freedom and identity.
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Wenrui ZhaoDirector
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Cameron ParadisoWriter
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George WangWriter
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Wenrui ZhaoWriter
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Chris Zilong WangProducer
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Jessica Yiwen QianProducer
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Preston SabharwalKey Cast"Pedro"
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Jeffrey FarberKey Cast"Theodore"
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Bobby HanCinematographer
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Olivia Huilin GaoProduction Designer
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Ziyue LinSound Mixer
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Jiaxin WangSound Mixer
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Project Type:Short, Student
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Runtime:20 minutes
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Completion Date:January 3, 2024
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Production Budget:10,000 USD
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Country of Origin:United States
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Country of Filming:United States
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Language:English
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Shooting Format:Digital, ARRI Raw
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Aspect Ratio:3:2
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Film Color:Color
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First-time Filmmaker:Yes
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Student Project:Yes - New York University Tisch School of the Arts
Wenrui Zhao, a promising young filmmaker from Beijing, China, has carved a unique niche in the world of cinema with his multifaceted talents. Born in 2002, Wenrui's journey into filmmaking began at the age of 9. His dedication and talent were recognized with nominations at the Vision Youth Awards, an esteemed film festival hosted by the Communication University of China. Wenrui's artistic journey led him to New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, where he focused on directing and sound for film and TV production. His expertise in both production and post-sound has been a significant contributor to his storytelling, allowing him to create a harmonious blend of visuals and sound. Wenrui doesn't confine himself to filmmaking alone. He delves into poetry, photography, fine art, and music composition, believing that film is the perfect medium to amalgamate his artistic endeavors into an art piece that is rich, multidimensional, and deeply resonant with audiences. Wenrui's recent work recieved recogonition worldwide, include semi-finalist of Flickers' Rhode Island Film Festival and official selection of the New York Independent Film Festival. As he continues to grow and explore the cinematic landscape, Wenrui stands as a humble yet profoundly promising voice in the world of film.
"Nocturne" germinated from a seed planted during my high school graduation trip. The story has evolved significantly since its inception, yet it maintains the same compelling character dynamic between an old man and a child, underpinned by a profound exploration of freedom. This theme of freedom, which has long fascinated me, poses intricate questions: "Is true freedom attainable within human society?" and "Can one obsessed with the idea of freedom ever truly be free?"
These philosophical inquiries catalyze the narrative of "Nocturne." The film's conclusion, conceived at the outset, encapsulates the paradox of freedom: a disabled man, abandoned outside his own house, embodies freedom yet simultaneously epitomizes entrapment. This powerful imagery bifurcates into our two central characters. Pedro, physically unbound but mentally ensnared, and Theodore, physically constrained but mentally liberated, weave a fable-like tale. Their journey in pursuit of holistic freedom - both physical and mental - is obstructed by societal forces, embodied by the gang. The resultant transformation of these characters underscores the arduous path to true freedom, a challenge that resonates universally and pertinently in contemporary society.
In a way, each character in the film is a fragment of myself. Pedro's confusion about belonging, Ethan's insecurity, Michael's teasing nature, Dylan's anger, and Theodore's deep thoughts – all these facets are reflections of my own personality. By disintegrating and reassembling these parts of myself into the film's characters, I have created a piece of art that, while seemingly unconnected to me, resonates deeply on all levels.