Kaili Blues

In a rural Chinese village, a haunted poet and former physician named Chen takes on a spiritual journey to find his nephew, who has been left in his care and subsequently gone missing. His search leads him through a dreamlike, time-bending landscape where he confronts his past and the lingering effects of his life choices. The film blends mundane reality with surreal visions, exploring themes of memory, regret, and the passage of time.

Kaili Blues was widely acclaimed by critics for its distinctive visual style, atmospheric mood, and audacious narrative structure. It was praised as a singular cinematic achievement and a remarkable debut, though its unconventional approach led to varied audience reactions.

• Praised for its stunningly poetic cinematography and unique blend of reality and dream.
• Applauded for its ambitious narrative structure that challenges conventional storytelling.
• Noted for its deeply personal and melancholic exploration of memory and regret.

Google audience: Audiences often highlight the film's dreamlike atmosphere and visually arresting imagery, with many appreciating its artistic ambition. Some viewers found the non-linear narrative and deliberate pacing challenging, but most were captivated by its unique mood and emotional resonance.

Locarno International Film Festival - Best Emerging Director, Thessaloniki International Film Festival - Golden Alexander

Director Bi Gan shot much of the film on his smartphone, pushing the boundaries of mobile filmmaking and contributing to its raw, intimate aesthetic.