Director of 'Whispers in May' Discusses Coming-of-Age Film in China's Rugged Terrain: 'It's Not Just About Beauty; Those Mountains Carry Weight'

"Whispers in May": A Poetic Journey Through Adolescence in China's Majestic Mountains

The Genesis of a Cinematic Journey: Unveiling a Teenage Girl's Hopes and Dreams

The inspiration for "Whispers in May," a hybrid documentary helmed by the acclaimed Chinese director Dongnan Chen, originated from a poignant declaration by a teenage girl in China's secluded Liangshan area: "I've made many wishes, but none have ever come true." This profound statement sparked the creation of a film that is set to premiere globally at the Copenhagen International Documentary Film Festival, CPH:DOX.

A Glimpse into Nuosu Culture: Qihuo's Transformative Road Trip

Chen characterizes her documentary as a poignant exploration of adolescence. The narrative follows Qihuo, a 14-year-old girl who has recently reached puberty, as she embarks on a significant journey with two close companions. Their quest is to acquire a skirt for the traditional "Changing Skirt" ceremony, a pivotal rite of passage for Nuosu women in that part of China, symbolizing their transition into adulthood.

Navigating Adolescence: Challenges Faced by Girls in Remote Regions

Many children in this region experience childhood separated from their parents, who often seek employment in distant cities. During the week, these children reside at schools, with extended family or educators stepping in to fulfill the parental roles left vacant by labor migration. For girls like Qihuo, the onset of adolescence brings forth the added complexities of long-established traditions, including the potential for arranged marriages, despite their illegality in China.

The Director's Vision: Capturing Spontaneity and the Weight of Tradition

Chen initially visited the region without a filmmaking agenda. However, her perspective shifted after a teacher shared the introspective writings of her students. These assignments revealed a spectrum of aspirations, from the somber expectation of anonymity in urban settings to extravagant fantasies of romantic pursuits spanning continents. It was Qihuo's heartfelt sentence that captivated Chen, drawing her into the teenager's imaginative world.

Filming the Landscape of the Soul: Mountains as Metaphor

Filmed over approximately one month in the spring of 2022, "Whispers in May" evolved organically, without a conventional screenplay. Chen approached the production with a clear vision: the girls' journey itself would dictate the film's narrative. She emphasized the balance between the planned and spontaneous elements, stating, "There's a lot of spontaneity, but also a lot of preparation." The film unfolds through beautifully composed shots of the girls traversing the mountainous terrain, a setting that Chen believes mirrors their internal world, capturing the delicate moment between childhood and maturity.

Beyond the Aesthetic: The Deeper Significance of the Mountainous Backdrop

Chen explained that the mountains resonate with the girls' spirit, embodying an untamed energy that exists outside societal norms and communal pressures. However, she noted that the landscape holds a more profound significance: "It's also not just about beauty. Those mountains also carry weight." She articulated that while the mountains offer a sanctuary for their innocence, they also impose isolation, preserving local traditions and norms that complicate their path to the outside world.

Aesthetic Choices and Resistance: Redefining Portrayals of Poverty

The director intentionally diverged from the unrefined visual style prevalent in earlier Chinese independent documentaries. For Chen, the deliberate embrace of beauty serves as a form of resistance against simplistic depictions of communities often defined by their economic hardship. She expressed her belief that beauty is both simple and profoundly important, particularly when portraying individuals living on the fringes of society. Her aim is to elevate their image, bestowing grace upon them and countering any reductive labels of poverty that might arise from raw, unpolished visuals.

Universal Themes: The Vanishing Act of Childhood

Despite its specific cultural backdrop, Chen believes her film ultimately resonates with a universal human experience. She stated that the core intention is to meet the protagonist at a unique juncture between girlhood and womanhood, a moment that represents the universal and poignant disappearance of childhood.

Future Explorations: The Complex Intimacy of Filmmaker and Subject

The creation of "Whispers in May" also prompted a broader reflection on the dynamic between the filmmaker and their subject. Chen revealed to Variety that she is currently developing a new project, a hybrid film blending reality and fiction, which will delve into the intricate intimacy shared between observer and observed. "Whispers in May" was produced by Jia Zhao and Kay Xu through Muyi Film and Tail Bite Tail Films, receiving support from various international film funds and organizations.

Anticipated Premiere: A Milestone for "Whispers in May"

The global premiere of "Whispers in May" is scheduled for March 15 in the main competition at CPH:DOX, with the festival concluding on March 22 in Copenhagen.