On their first encounter, late bloomer Zhuang accidentally takes the blame for the theft of a starting gun by schoolmate and distance runner Meng. Just before they get to know each other better, she suddenly gives him the cold shoulder. In his confusion, Zhuang decides to join Meng’s track team despite risking his studies. With academic pressure added to the puzzles of adolescence, Zhuang bides his time for his coming-of-age declaration…
Filmmaker and photographer Youjia Qu (b. 1990, China) was educated at Beijing Film Academy, graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design. His debut short film MEIJING (2017) won several awards including Night Award at Signes de Nuit. His second film TOGETHER APART (2019) was awarded Best Short Film at FIRST Film Festival Xining, selected in IFFR Bright Future Mid-length competition. Feature project LAVA was selected for Busan Asian Project Market and Berlinale Co-Production Market.
Beijing Booy Media Co., Ltd.
Rediance
Pu Tong Ren Films
Zhang Taiwen
Miao Jijun
Director: Qu Youjia
Producer: Meng Xie, Wu Xianjian
Cinematography: Lv Qing
Art Director: Xu Yao
Editing: Shan Siqi
Sound: Li Danfeng
Music: Chen Siyang