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Artist's Identity Quest: Berlin Meets Beijing
6 Feb
Summary
- Filmmaker Viv Li explores identity between Berlin and Beijing.
- The film delves into cultural whiplash and belonging.
- Li learned English and Western culture from 'Friends'.
Viv Li's feature directorial debut, 'Two Mountains Weighing Down My Chest,' premieres at the Berlin International Film Festival. The film chronicles Li's journey as a Chinese artist navigating the cultural differences between Berlin and Beijing after being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The movie explores Li's feelings of being a misfit, contrasting the excitement of Berlin's alternative culture with the traditional expectations of her family in China. It delves into themes of identity, belonging, and the complexities of adapting to new environments while holding onto one's roots.
Li shared that her understanding of Western culture, including learning English, was significantly influenced by watching the TV show 'Friends.' This anecdote highlights her unconventional approach to cultural assimilation and self-discovery.
The film blends serious, humorous, and offbeat elements, reflecting Li's personal experiences of adapting to different societal norms and questioning one's sense of self in a globalized world. The narrative emphasizes that the search for identity is an ongoing process rather than a fixed destination.
