China Student Short Film: Bathed in Love | 中国学生短片《沐爱》

In this poignant and introspective short experimental documentary, Liu seeks to connect with the past and uncover family memories through a phone call with her mother. The phone call is accompanied by a compilation of footage shot by the mother and family members during the days of her grandfather’s funeral in their hometown, Mu Ai, which translates to “Bathed in Love.” Having received the footage in 2022, Liu embarks on a journey to piece together the layered images of this funeral, which she did not attend at the age of six. As the film unfolds, Liu delves into memories of her grandfather and his final days, offering no explanation yet a chance of contemplation. The documentary becomes a memorial not only to Liu’s grandfather but also to the rich traditions, people, and rituals tied to the village and its unique way of confronting mortality.

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