Private Project

The Massage

A story about how the intimate act of massage becomes a process that reveals the truth of a dysfunctional relationship and uneven power dynamic.

  • Chuyu Xiong
    Director
  • Chuyu Xiong
    Writer
  • Chuyu Xiong
    Producer
  • Phoebe Holden
    Key Cast
    "Bell"
  • Dean Tierney
    Key Cast
    "Ash"
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Drama, Romance
  • Runtime:
    7 minutes 22 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 9, 2019
  • Production Budget:
    600 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes
Director Biography - Chuyu Xiong

Chuyu Xiong is a filmmaker and photographer currently based in Durham, North Carolina. Growing up in Guangzhou, China, she earned her BS degree in Media, Culture, and Communication from New York University in 2019, and is now a candidate in Duke University’s MFA in Experimental and Documentary Arts program. “The Massage” is her directorial debut. 

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Director Statement

I was inspired to make “The Massage” as a visual love letter to New York City. Going to New York for college is a transformative experience to me. Therefore, at the end of my stay there, I felt compelled to document my experience by portraying the unequal gender power in this magnetic concrete jungle.