Endless Night

[Location] Beijing, China

[Role(s)] Director / Writer

[About] As a debut directorial work at the Beijing Film Academy, Endless Night (2013) serves as a foundational exploration of cinematic form. This experimental short film eschews traditional dialogue and linear narrative, focusing instead on the intersection of dream and reality. While reflecting a nascent grasp of technical execution, the project demonstrates a deliberate engagement with the subconscious—weaving together themes of desire, vulnerability, and psychological abstraction.

Hi you,

This was your first ever art work, an experimental short at the Beijing Film Academy. No dialogue, no narrative—just the intersection of dreams and reality, voicing the subconscious desires of a heavy heart. A girl who lost the ability to walk finally can leap from a high-rise in her dream; flowers turning to sharp blades, much like the man she encountered in these dreams, strangely alluring her with the contrasting vulnerability till the final end.

I remember during the Q&A session with the professor. Everyone had finished, and you stood there alone, thrilled. I know how desperately you wanted the approval, but when being asked critically about the reason why you made this film, you couldn't summon a single film theory or reference. I know how deeply embarrassed you felt at the time, all your pride and joy dismissed to be nothing more than a superficial show-off. Wish I could send you a hug and say it is not your fault, you have done amazing.

It was the year when Roland Emmerich's 2012 released, it might not be the end of the world for others, but you truly felt like it. You were barely eighteen,  fuelled by endless dreams; one of them was to study in California, we all know it did not come true neither. (Probably for the best) The time you spent in film school was pretty lonely, an outcast like always. Somehow you still managed to find a few friends and lovers that eased the hollow in your heart. But you know, still when I am struggling and wanting to give up nowadays; I would be thinking of the boy like you, wearing a baseball cap with blue denim, going through it all alone.

I always wondered, does a film really need a 'reason'? If there is no narrative, does it cease to be 'good'? For one hand, I understand  the context. It was the golden era of mainland China's blockbusters. The education you received reflected the industry's eagerness for talents who could bridge the gap with Hollywood. You might even forget how difficult it was to get into this film school, which is a million people's dream. You have no idea years later, with a graduation from Central Saint Martins with distinction, I am confident to tell you that you should never feel needed to appease anyone or force your ideas into the 'Save the Cat' or 'Hero’s Journey‘; you are much more than that.

Sending a very tight hug to you,

From you, 14 years later.