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Film director Yang Lina is known for her focus on female-centered narratives. Having served as a jury member for the Forward Future section at this year’s Beijing International Film Festival, her work has gained acclaim at overseas film festivals over the years. Our reporter Wang Siwen caught up with her.
“The struggle and growth of women have always been the themes of my films”
Director Yang Lina: The struggle and growth of women have always been the themes of my films because I see transformation, strength and growth after struggle. I find these great virtues in women, who serve as a driving force for my creativity. Sometimes, our mothers, daughters and the friends around us face far greater challenges in the real world than we see in movies. The experiences they gain may be richer than we see in films. I really want audiences to see more female characters in movies because it’s a part of my work. I approach telling women’s stories instinctively, intuitively, naturally and with a sense of duty. I believe this is necessary during any era.
“My next film remains very dramatic, with a strong emphasis on women’s stories”
Director Yang Lina: My next film remains very dramatic, with a strong emphasis on women’s stories. It’s currently in the development phase, as I’ve only just finished post-production on my previous film. Whether it’s documentary filmmaking or narrative filmmaking, I’m continuing to tell stories about women.
“I really hope artistic films and documentaries gradually regain their vitality”
Director Yang Lina: Before the pandemic, I remember some investors were willing to fund art-house films. Movie theaters shouldn’t only have one type of film, like Marvel, or just comedies, right? There are some very strict classifications abroad, some are for very targeted audiences. Art-house films have charm. I’ve always said that movies should have an artistic essence. We might watch movies for entertainment, but sometimes what we see in movies can be very important. I really hope artistic films and documentaries gradually regain their vitality.
“Through movies, we see all kinds of people, all kinds of characters and their lives”
Director Yang Lina: I think the film festival is very good. It is like a city’s business card. It brings people together to watch movies. The thing itself is wonderful, right? After the pandemic, we’ve seen too many sad stories, about sickness and death. Every family has faced different tests. I believe it’s especially beautiful to spend this spring at the film festival. Through movies, we see all kinds of people, all kinds of characters and their fates, people’s lives and how they interact with each other. No matter what part of the world you’re in, we still find resonance and love on this big screen.