Experiencing Interruptions?

The Obsession of Never Receiving

Women should know — you don’t have to be exceptional. You can just be a person, and you should get awards for just being

  • Zhichen Yu
    Director
  • Zhichen Yu
    Writer
  • Shurong Shi
    Director of Photography
  • Project Type:
    Experimental, Student
  • Runtime:
    2 minutes 5 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    November 13, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    100 AUD
  • Country of Origin:
    Australia
  • Country of Filming:
    Australia
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Bolex, 16mm
  • Aspect Ratio:
    4:3
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - The University of Sydney
Director Biography - Zhichen Yu

Zhichen ‘Yu’ Yu is a film director and production designer from Kunming, China, now based in Sydney, Australia. Her artistic oeuvre, deeply influenced by her personal narrative and sexual orientation, serves as a profound inquiry into self-identity and feminism. This thematic exploration forms the bedrock of her creative drive. Yu’s portfolio, encompassing experimental films, narrative shorts, and video art installations, is marked by a keen sensitivity and unique perspective.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

In the memory, I craved becoming a perfect or exceptional person, I was ashamed of my flaws, my looks, even my body shape. Gradually, I was imprisoned by the binary way of thinking where everything is black and white. Therefore, the‘Self-doubt and Self-acceptance’, all shaped me.

At first, I wanted to create my work in an all-black space and use light as the only source of light. However, since it was my first-time shooting video with Bolex, I was worried about the inevitable errors and ended up changing the location to a natural environment. I have prepared foundation, eyeshadow and lipstick as props for my shoot, which are smooth and flawless skin as the standard of femininity and beauty.

This work is called “The Obsession of Never Receiving”, it shows my unspeakable traumatic experience, as well as the space of my own autonomy mind. My inner disgust and frustration of body imperfections, also the subtle aesthetics of such obsession.