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Boys' Secret Friendship Faces Rural Tensions
6 Sep
Summary
- Two boys' bond is tested by family and community conflict.
- Film explores unspoken feelings and mature resilience.
- Debut feature set for San Sebastián and Busan festivals.
Paris-based Moveria has acquired international sales rights for Lu Po-Shun's directorial debut, 'Will You Still Be My Friend.' This Taiwan-Singapore co-production is slated for its premiere in the New Directors sidebar at the San Sebastián Film Festival.
The film centers on the deepening bond between two young boys, portrayed by Jaden Wang and Aloysius Looi, as their friendship faces strain. Tensions rise between their families and within their rural community, impacting their relationship. An escalating feud in the village forces one boy to conceal his friendship.
'Will You Still Be My Friend' also explores the protagonist's private questioning of his own feelings for his friend amidst adult conflicts. Moveria's head of sales and acquisition, Yasmin Porangaba, praised the film's subtle depiction of the boys' relationship, noting its natural simplicity and maturity.
The debut feature will subsequently be showcased at the Busan International Film Festival. The film is also a contender for the Sebastiane Award at San Sebastián, recognizing films with LGBTQIA+ themes. Lu Po-Shun previously directed the short film 'Wild Tides' and a segment for 'Ten Years Taiwan.'
