APUC Competition - This film is in the running for the APUC Grand Jury Feature Film Award
Director/Writer Tom Lin Shu-Yu and actress Kimi Hsia are scheduled to introduce the film and participate in a post-film Q&A (moderated by Pat McDonald).
Yen & Ai-Lee
A woman is caught between a traumatic past and an uncertain future in this enthralling mother-daughter drama
MIDWEST PREMIERE
Taiwan | Drama | 2024 | 107 minutes
In Mandarin w/ Chinese and English Subtitles
Director/Screenwriter: Tom Lin Shu-Yu
Starring: Kimi Hsia, Yang Kuei-Mei, Sam Tseng, Kipin Ng
Film Source: Lights On Films
Director/Writer Tom Shu-Yu Lin and actress Kimi Hsia are scheduled to introduce the film and participate in a post-film Q&A.
SYNOPSIS:
Yen returns to her village after serving eight years in prison for killing her abusive father. However, Yen learns that her mother is dating yet another abusive man. Will Yen finally take agency of her life, or will she forever be dragged down by the burdens of family?
Tom Shu-yu Lin navigates the love-and-hate nature of mother-daughter relationships with this compelling drama about the desire for reinvention and the trauma of abuse. Intricately constructed and beautifully shot in black-and-white, the film also features terrific performances by Lin’s wife and muse Kimi Hsia and screen legend Yang Kuei-mei.
Tom Lin Shu-Yu, Director
Tom Lin Shu-Yu blends his Taiwanese and American upbringing into a unique cinematic style, showcasing a rich tapestry of cultural influences in his work. His directorial journey began in 2008 with "Winds of September," which debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival. This was followed by "Starry Starry Night" (2011), a film adaptation of the beloved book by celebrated illustrator Jimmy Liao. In 2015, Lin's "Zinnia Flower" starring Karena Lam received critical acclaim at Busan International Film Festival and garnered a Taiwan Golden Horse Award for Best Actress. In 2019, Lin helmed "The Garden of Evening Mists," a collaboration between HBO Asia and Astro Shaw based on the renowned Malaysian novel of the same name. Premiering at the 24th Busan International Film Festival, the film was lauded with 9 Taiwan Golden Horse Awards nominations, including for Best Picture and Best Director.
Kimi Hsia, Actress
Kimi Hsia is a Taiwanese actress and television host.
Screening Date:
Sunday, April 6, 2025
2:00 p.m.
Doors open 30 minutes before screening.
Location:
AMC NEWCITY14
1500 N. Clybourn Ave.
Chicago, IL 60610
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