Private Project

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.

  • Jimmy Chao
    Director
    2023 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
  • Zoe Chang
    Writer
  • Jimmy Chao
    Writer
  • Megan Chen
    Producer
  • Jimmy Chao
    Director of Photography
    2023 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
  • Meng-Yueh Liu
    Location Sound Recordist
  • Jhih-Yun Lin
    Production Designer
  • Wan-Ling Chao
    Costume Designer
  • Yi-Shan Xiao
    Editor
  • Shi-Wei Liu
    Editor
  • Allen Kang
    Sound Designer
  • CY Chiu
    Colorist
  • Henry Chiang
    VFX Supervisor
  • Thomas Foguenne
    Composer
  • Raion Yoza
    Key Cast
    "Wu Ju"
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    三點水
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Drama, Fantasy, Shorts
  • Runtime:
    15 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    November 4, 2023
  • Country of Origin:
    Taiwan
  • Country of Filming:
    Taiwan
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    1.85:1
  • Film Color:
    Black & White
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Beijing Film Academy
  • Hualien Film Awards
    Hualien
    Taiwan
    November 4, 2023
    Taiwan Premiere
    Best Picture Award
  • Hualien Film Awards
    Hualien
    Taiwan
    November 4, 2023
    Taiwan Premiere
    Best Technical Achievement Award
  • 46th Golden Harvest Awards
    Taipei
    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
Director Biography - Jimmy Chao

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.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

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.