Private Project

Water Whispers

A bike delivery woman with bipolar disorder, living in Hong Kong, on a journey to Vietnam to fulfill her father's last wish, bringing ashes filling gently on the lake in the quiet hometown, blending into the water, discovering self-healing through water whispers, music, and listen a young girl's experience. However, it is all revealed to be a dream that unfolds after her suicide. The film explore “How do we know reality if the dream is real enough?”

  • Brian Szeto
    Director
  • Brian Szeto
    Writer
  • Dickson Ho
    Producer
  • Jane Wong
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    22 minutes 40 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    December 3, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    280,000 HKD
  • Country of Origin:
    Hong Kong
  • Country of Filming:
    Hong Kong, Viet Nam
  • Language:
    English, Vietnamese, Yue Chinese (Cantonese)
  • Shooting Format:
    Red dragon, raptoSony FX3 , DJI,
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.35:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Brian Szeto

Brian Szeto, a film / Tv commercial director , Producer and screenplay writer with roots in Hong Kong and Canada, is a seasoned visual storyteller with over two decades of experience. He studied at Sheridan College's Advanced Television & Film Program in Toronto, where he honed his technical skills and artistic vision. Since 1997, Brian has been actively involved in still photography and film production, a career that has taken him across continents, including Asia, Europe, and North America.

Brian’s global journey has not only refined his craft but also developed his strong leadership and communication skills. Working with multicultural teams has given him a unique ability to adapt to diverse creative environments and deliver projects with a fresh, international perspective. His work demonstrates a seamless blend of critical thinking and an acute aesthetic sense, ensuring efficient project execution and exceptional quality.

Over the years, Brian has built an impressive portfolio, collaborating with international and local clients, 4A advertising agencies, and film production companies. Now based in Vietnam, he focuses on crafting impactful films, branding shorts, and TV commercial, corporate video.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

When I was young, began curious Taoism theory. The teachings of Laozi’s Tao Te Ching and Zhuangzi’s Discussion of the Equality of Things introduced me to the fluidity of existence and the interconnectedness of opposites. Inspired by these ancient philosophies, my film "Water Whisper" explores themes of transformation, drawing from the power of water in Tao Te Ching, and the blurred boundary between reality and dreams, inspired by Zhuang Zhou's butterfly dream.

Growing up in a family and friends affected by mental illness, and witnessing the struggles of people living in the stressful city of Hong Kong, gave me a deeper understanding of human suffering.

This film is the first in a trilogy titled A Journey of Self-Healing, followed by "Last Breakfast" and "Endless Desert", each delving into a different aspect of mental illness. Through love, nature, music, and spirituality, using visual storytelling reflects humanity's capacity for healing. My vision is to create a contemplative space where audiences can reflect on their own journeys and rediscover harmony within chaos. I hope those suffering from mental illness won't give up, even when no one is around, because nature and themselves are always near us.