Indie Film "A Dance in Vain" Selected for Prestigious Venice Festival

In a significant achievement, the independent film "A Dance in Vain" has been selected to screen at the 2025 Venice International Film Festival's Settimana Internazionale della Critica (SIC) section. The drama, directed, written, and shot by rising Chinese filmmaker Lee, follows the story of Monkey, a theater company worker in an unnamed big city, as she grapples with the aftermath of her boyfriend Leo's suicide in 2020.

Monkey's repetitive daily existence is haunted by the loss of Leo, who had returned to his hometown before taking his own life. Caught in cycles of routine and isolation, Monkey attempts to communicate her exhaustion to others, only to be met with dismissive responses telling her she should be grateful for what she has. The film offers a poignant exploration of grief, loneliness, and the struggle to find meaning in the face of overwhelming challenges.

Lee's involvement in the project is particularly noteworthy, as "A Dance in Vain" was actually shot before his breakthrough success with the film "Love is a Gun." However, extended post-production delayed the completion of "A Dance in Vain," allowing the director's debut to reach audiences first. With this selection, Lee continues to establish himself as a versatile and compelling filmmaker, both in front of and behind the camera.