UNTIED KNOTS, 5min., China, Romance
Directed by Claire Yland Li
A girl who constantly fantasizes about sexual intimacy and romantic encounter doesn't know what to do when the opportunity actually comes.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
This story starts as a story about summer and youth; two girls who are bored and decide to run away together, but when their parents call, they go home willingly. But then, as I was re-writing the script, I wanted to write something about loneliness and a need to connect. I've been a bit of a nihilistic and believe that nothing other than the connections you made matters in the end.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
It took about four months because we were following the school's curriculum. We spend one month of a writing class coming up with a rough draft which we'll carry on and create in the semester after (along with two other scripts by two classmates).

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
Longing for.

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
The sex scene. This is my first time working on an intimate scene, and I spend a lot of time with my professors, my actors, and the intimacy coordinator to discuss how to execute this scene best.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I'm thrilled that people want this as a feature. Although people mentioned it's unclear why the main protagonist is scared, I liked the ambiguity of it (but also, I don't have enough time to explain it, HAHA).

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
Probably before I graduated high school, but I took a detour after that.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
Satoshi Kon's perfect blue and David Fincher's Fight Club.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
It would be great if more online connecting opportunities were given (i.e., via LinkedIn or email).

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
I think film freeway is very easy to use, and there are a lot of festivals to choose from (an overwhelming amount of lol). It's an excellent resource for anyone with a film/script under their belt.

10. What is your favorite meal?
This is so hard. Growing up, my uncle always cooked for the family, and he's a certified chef, so it is safe to say that I've had many favorite meals. But if I need to pick one, it would probably be Biangbiang noodles.

11. What is next for you? A new film?
I'm currently working on a magical realism pitch for a TV series about mermaids.