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Girls' Coming-of-Age Film Blurs Reality and Dreams
14 Mar
Summary
- Film explores girlhood transition with hybrid documentary/fiction approach.
- Road trip signifies a journey toward self-discovery and independence.
- The film world premieres at CPH:DOX on March 15.
Whispers in May, directed by Dongnan Chen, is a unique film that masterfully blends documentary and fictional elements. It chronicles the journey of three young Chinese girls as they navigate the cusp of womanhood.
The film centers on Qihuo, who, upon experiencing her first menstruation, embarks on a road trip with friends to obtain a ceremonial skirt, a crucial rite of passage. This journey, inspired by Chen's encounter with Qihuo in the Liangshan Mountains, aims to empower the girls to define their own futures.
Premiering in the main competition at the Copenhagen International Documentary Film Festival (CPH:DOX) on March 15, the film grew from Chen's observation of young girls' voices and dreams. The narrative unfolds as a dream parallel to reality, using the rugged landscape of Liangshan as a grounding force for the girls' unfolding adventure.
Chen describes the production as a collaborative playground, devoid of a traditional script, allowing the girls agency in shaping their own story. The film delves into themes of societal expectations versus personal choice, with nature serving as a sanctuary reflecting the girls' untamed spirit and inner landscape.
