Cinema is where people connect.
After the successful launch of the Opening Screening at the Cinema in Battersea Power Station London on the 26th of May, Odyssey 2023 will charge on and showcase over 70 films online and offline across the country in June.
Today , we are going to talk about one of the films we selected this year – Lesser Fullness of Grain (2022), directed by Honglong Wang.
The story takes place on May 20th, which is not only the 24 solar terms but also 520 Valentine’s Day, which is the last day for a family reunion.
Set on a day when “520 Valentine’s Day” (a modern Chinese Valentine’s Day) and the Grain Full (the 8th term of the traditional 24 solar terms) coincide, the film delves into the emotional complexities that arise from the convergence of these contrasting elements. In this interview, we further explore the writer/director Wang Honglong’s creative process and the thematic exploration of tradition versus modernity in this captivating film.
The film focuses on three central characters: two boys and their grandmother, dividing the film into three distinct perspectives. The director explained that he chose to show their perspectives due to the simplicity and sincerity that characterizes their age group’s outlook on life, qualities that often overshadowed by the busy lives of the middle-aged. Through their stories, the audience discovers the overlaps in their emotions, forming the vital links that connect their narratives. It is through these connections that the film explores the shared human experiences that transcend generational gaps, portrays the love that exists within families.
Director Hong Long shared with me that the overall style of the film was inspired by acclaimed directors Wes Anderson and Roy Anderson. His team aimed to create a lighter tone within the film, counterbalancing the weighty themes it explores. By infusing elements of whimsy and playfulness, the film effectively engages the audience while still conveying its underlying message.
When discussing the phenomenon of rural-to-urban migration, the director believes that it is an inevitable consequence of China’s rapid social development. Drawing from his personal experience of leaving his hometown in Shandong Province for a big city, he conveyed a sense of sadness and reluctance towards this transition. These genuine thoughts and emotions resonated with me, as we can feel it in the film.
During our conversation, I was curious about the creation of the character Lan. The director explained that during the scriptwriting process, “masculinity” was a hot topic in China. He believes that people should not stereotypically define different aesthetics and that gender stereotypes should not be used to restrict everyone, which also relates to the theme of the conflict between traditional and modern thinking that he wanted to embody. Like director Wang Honglong, I firmly believe that people should not be confined to simplistic definitions and rigid categories. Instead, we should encourage an environment that nurtures inclusive and diverse personal development, celebrating the complexities and unique perspectives of individuals.
When addressing previous audience questions regarding the plot involving the two children’s “confessions,” the director disagreed with the notion that it distorted values. He clarified that the intention was not to emphasize “romance,” but rather to depict the sincere expressions of children’s “admiration” and “affection” towards others. Drawing from his observations of his cousins and other children, the director discovered the children’s genuine enthusiasm for celebrating holidays and engaging in ritualistic activities. This explains why the children in the film eagerly prepared for the celebration of 520 Valentine’s Day.
Lesser Fullness of Grain is a heartfelt short film that skillfully explores the conflicts between tradition and modernity. Through a collision of ideas and emotions, the director portrays the complexities of contemporary life and the choices individuals face. By challenging stereotypes and authentically portraying the emotions of children, it shows the hope that family and love bring to people.
Watch the film now here until 30 June.
ABOUT ODYSSEY 2023
Cinema is where people connect.
60+ films, masterclasses, discussion panels and exclusive Q&As.
Odyssey is the biggest annual film festival in the UK, bridging curious audience with Greater China and overseas Chinese communities. The theme for 2023 is ‘Global Sustainability’.
Presented by UK-China Film Collab (UCFC)
Festival Date: 26 May – 30 June 2023
Format: Offline in Person and Online via Shift 72
Festival Website: odysseychinesecinema.uk
Instagram & Twitter Handle: @odysseyccs
Hashtags: #globalsustainability #odyssey2023 #ukchinafilm #peace
