Chinese Director's Debut Explores Loneliness

Juno Hong's debut feature film, "Only the Moon Knows," is set to be presented at the Shanghai International Film Festival's SIFF Project. The film, inspired by Hong's own experiences as a student abroad, tells the story of Cheng Jun, an international student who forms a connection with a homeless elderly woman. This deeply personal narrative explores themes of loneliness and intercultural isolation.

The project has a completed script and a budget of RMB2 million ($296,000), with 10% of the financing already in place. Hong is currently seeking international co-producers, particularly for post-production, and an international distributor who values artistic merit over purely commercial interests.

Hong, who has prior experience as a script supervisor on Chinese independent productions, aims to create a unique directorial voice through honesty and vulnerability. She emphasizes the realistic, microscopic details of daily life observed firsthand in an intercultural setting. The film's financing strategy prioritizes international co-productions and cultural film funds.