Experiencing Interruptions?

River of Forgetfulness

An astronomer’s failed research and withering family leads him spiraling down the memories of his painful childhood and the dreams of his past life.

  • Tzu-Yang Chen
    Director
  • Tzu-Yang Chen
    Writer
  • Tzu-Yi Mo
    Key Cast
    "Shiou"
    Dear Tenant
  • Christopher Purdy
    Director of Photography
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    溟溟
  • Project Type:
    Feature
  • Genres:
    Drama, Fantasy
  • Runtime:
    2 hours 53 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    July 1, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    600,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Taiwan
  • Country of Filming:
    Taiwan
  • Language:
    Chinese - Min Nan, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Other
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.2:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Tzu-Yang Chen

Tzu-Yang Chen grew up in Auburn, Alabama but moved back to his home country of Taiwan at the age of 12. Afterwards, his long struggles of language, culture and identity triggered an interest in storytelling, and returned to the states to pursue filmmaking, graduating with an MFA from Chapman University Dodge College of Film and Media Arts. He currently resides in Taipei, Taiwan.

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Director Statement

A buddhist legend states that all souls, after death, must drink from the River of Forgetfulness before being reincarnated. It ensures that all souls forget their memories of the previous life. It is said that if one does not drink from the River of Forgetfulness, the soul will be tortured in the “in-between” state until it is willing to let go.

When I first learnt of the legend, I had long been in a “in-between” state. I was stuck between eastern and western cultures and could not find my identity. In this “in-between” state, one cannot grow. One cannot dream. My father was in this dreamless state before me. He grew up crippled in a militant society. So did his father, growing up in Taiwan under Japanese Rule, wanting to be Japanese.

It is in the Buddhist belief that where we are, and all relationships we form, are predetermined by the karma of unsettled debts or favors of the past. It is that karma that inspired "River of Forgetfulness."