Experiencing Interruptions?

TENDERNESS

Lee, a young man in Chengdu China, writes a letter to Sam, his former English teacher and lover from the US, reminiscing about their brief but profound relationship. Through past and present moments, he recalls their time together—exploring the city, learning from each other, and falling in love. But Sam had to return to the U.S., leaving Lee with cherished yet painful memories. "Tenderness" is a poetic tale of love, loss, and the lingering warmth of a connection that, though fleeting, remains unforgettable.

  • Lawrence Luo
    Director
  • Lawrence Luo
    Writer
  • Xuyang Liu
    Producer
  • Haoran Dai
    Key Cast
    "Lee"
  • Paul Addison
    Key Cast
    "Sam"
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Drama, Romance, Queer
  • Runtime:
    14 minutes 3 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    February 12, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    7,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    China, United States
  • Country of Filming:
    China
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - New York Film Academy
  • Regina International Film Festival and Awards
    Regina
    Canada
    August 23, 2025
    Canada
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Lawrence Luo

Lawrence (Yuansong) Luo is a Chinese filmmaker currently studying at the New York Film Academy. Passionate about exploring human emotions, his work transcends race and nationality, focusing on intimate, universal stories. With a keen eye for storytelling, he has created films that capture deep emotional connections and personal experiences, emphasizing the tenderness and complexity of human relationships.

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Director Statement

This film is deeply personal, born from the director’s own experiences—my memories, my heartbreak, and my lingering emotions. As a gay man from China, I once shared a fleeting but intense relationship with an American, a love that burned brightly before fading into painful silence. Though time and distance have pulled them apart, the image of that man remains imprinted in my heart, impossible to forget.

With this film, I seek not only closure but also understanding. It is a love letter to the past, a way to make peace with what was and what could never be. But beyond my own story, I hope to send a message of unity—that despite differences in culture, language, and history, love has the power to bridge even the widest of divides. In a world often fractured by misunderstanding, I dares to believe in something greater: the possibility of harmony between China and the U.S., fueled by the simple, unbreakable force of love.