Korean-Chinese Director's Acclaimed Film Duo Explores Themes of Displacement

In October 2025, Korean-Chinese director Zhang Lu received the inaugural best film award at the Busan International Film Festival for his film Gloaming in Luomo. This latest work is a sister piece to his earlier film Mothertongue, which premiered at the Tokyo International Film Festival's main competition.

The two productions, shot in quick succession at nearby locations, share lead actors, themes, and even some costumes. Mothertongue follows struggling actress Haruki as she returns to her hometown after a decade in Beijing, grappling with her inability to fluently speak her native dialect. Gloaming in Luomo, on the other hand, was inspired by Zhang's spontaneous visit to the town of Luomo, where he felt a strong sense of history and human connection.

Rather than starting with a predetermined story, Zhang's filmmaking process begins by being drawn to a specific location. He then allows the characters and narrative to emerge organically, fostering a sense of trust and spontaneity on set. This approach results in films that feel deeply rooted in their settings, reflecting Zhang's own experiences as a lifelong wanderer.

As a former author and professor of literature, Zhang sees strong parallels between writing and filmmaking, both of which require facing and expressing emotion. His works often explore themes of migration, displacement, and the search for belonging - themes that resonate with his own background as a Korean-Chinese immigrant who has lived much of his life in constant motion.