TRICKLE
As the proverb goes: two boys are half a boy, and three boys are no boy at all. In a secluded, sea-eroded cave, three monks faced a constant water shortage. The thin monk suggested using "Abhijñā (supernormal powers in Buddhism)" to solve the issue. To gain Abhijñā, one must meditate undistractedly, granting powers to create anything, including water. The young monk practiced diligently, but the lake they relied on for water suddenly dried up. He realized that the legend may be a fabrication…
Please note: The scripture consists entirely of a self-invented language with no specific meaning, so there are no subtitles.
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Jimmy ChaoDirector2023 Hualien Film Awards ● Best Picture Award ● Best Technical Achievement Award 46th Golden Harvest Awards ● Best Narrative Short Film Nominated 53rd Paris Play Film Festival ● Best Cinematographer / DOP Beijing Film Academy He Qun Scholarship ● Best Cinematographer / DOP 2024 MUMBAI International Film Awards ● Best Short Film Award
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Zoe ChangWriter
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Jimmy ChaoWriter
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Megan ChenProducer
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Jimmy ChaoDirector of Photography2023 Hualien Film Awards ● Best Picture Award ● Best Technical Achievement Award 46th Golden Harvest Awards ● Best Narrative Short Film Nominated 53rd Paris Play Film Festival ● Best Cinematographer / DOP Beijing Film Academy He Qun Scholarship ● Best Cinematographer / DOP 2024 MUMBAI International Film Awards ● Best Short Film Award
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Meng-Yueh LiuLocation Sound Recordist
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Jhih-Yun LinProduction Designer
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Wan-Ling ChaoCostume Designer
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Yi-Shan XiaoEditor
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Shi-Wei LiuEditor
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Allen KangSound Designer
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CY ChiuColorist
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Henry ChiangVFX Supervisor
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Thomas FoguenneComposer
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Raion YozaKey Cast"Wu Ju"
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Project Title (Original Language):三點水
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Project Type:Short, Student
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Genres:Drama, Fantasy, Shorts
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Runtime:15 minutes
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Completion Date:November 4, 2023
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Country of Origin:Taiwan
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Country of Filming:Taiwan
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Shooting Format:Digital
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Aspect Ratio:1.85:1
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Film Color:Black & White
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First-time Filmmaker:Yes
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Student Project:Yes - Beijing Film Academy
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Hualien Film AwardsHualien
Taiwan
November 4, 2023
Taiwan Premiere
Best Picture Award -
Hualien Film AwardsHualien
Taiwan
November 4, 2023
Taiwan Premiere
Best Technical Achievement Award -
46th Golden Harvest AwardsTaipei
Taiwan
Best Narrative Short Film Nominated -
53rd Paris Play Film Festival
Best Cinematographer / DOP -
2024 MUMBAI International Film Awards
Best Short Film Award -
2024 19th Screwdriver International Student Short Film Festival
Gold Award
Born in Taiwan, Jimmy Chao graduated from the Beijing Film Academy with a Master's degree in Cinematography.
During his university years, he began studying the art of cinematography. Driven by the pursuit of exceptional imagery, he started working as a lighting assistant for feature films, aiming to comprehend the nuances of light and using it to narrate stories visually.
Enamored by unique and interesting themes, his works mainly involve Cinematography and Directing. In recent years, with the aim of creating films that both the audience and creator could enjoy."TRICKLE" is his debut directorial short film.
The inspiration for 'Trickle' originates from the Oriental fable 'Three Monks Have No Water to Drink.' This short film aims for the audience to find moments of tranquility within the story or to let go of the complexities of real-life. The concise portrayal of the story offers a breather from the fast-paced reality. During the creative process, I had boundless creative space, allowing me to explore and depict the pauses and serenity within the narrative. This film is not just a movie but a representation and manifestation of the pursuit of minimalistic aesthetics and inner peace.
As the Buddha said, 'Attachment is like a deep abyss, gradually leading towards death.' Often, we find ourselves trapped by the attachments in life, as if caught in an infinite loop. However, life isn’t devoid of choices; we can find peace by releasing our internal attachments. Letting go doesn’t mean having nothing; true liberation and ease come from letting go.
The protagonist, Wujū, and his journey make us reflect on our similar dilemmas. Wujū believes that the lack of water impedes his spiritual practice. However, the problem doesn’t lie solely in the absence of water but in the existence of the problem itself. Are the trivialities and minutiae we usually concern ourselves with truly that significant? Or are they simply excuses we give ourselves?
This film stems from the motive to share the concept and inspiration of 'letting go' through a fable. Through the storyline and visual presentation, I guide the audience into a symbolic world, encouraging them to pause, settle their thoughts, and seek inner peace. I hope that viewers can experience, through this segment, how in the tranquil void, we discover the deepest meanings and values within ourselves.