Stars Await Us
Zhang Dalei’s highly anticipated second feature, "Stars Await Us" is a unique work that confirms the director as one of the most original and creative filmmakers in the vibrant panorama of contemporary Chinese cinema.
Set in a city situated between Russia and China in the 1990’s, the story actually seems to take place in a timeless location and seems to depict archetypal figures, suspended in a realm of cinematographic imagery which privileges suggestive ambiances over facts.
And so, special atmospheres, scarce dialogues and suggestive songs immersed in a striking visual setting render with ease the intriguing story of Ma Biao, a man who has served time in prison, and comes back to look for Karinna the woman he has loved and still loves, whom he cannot find but keeps seeing in the features of other women, like the lady who sells bread at a local shop.
Even Wei and Xixi, the young couple, whom he has met at the car repair shop remind him of the relationship he had with Karinna, so when Wei gets in trouble with the local gangster, he wants to help him avoid making the same mistakes he has done once and wants to put a closure to his past grudges. But the past will come back to haunt him, like the elusive image of Karinna.
Giovanna Fulvi
Dalei Zhang (b. 1982) graduated from the St. Petersburg State University of Film and Television. His main representative short works are "The Sunday, Story Bridge" and "One Day I Looked Down". In addition, he has written a number of scripts including "The Summer Is Gone", "FUZZ", "Blue Train", and "A Star Called the Sun". His directorial debut "The Summer is Gone" was screened at PÖFF in 2016.
Ba Yue (Suvi on läinud, PÖFF 2016), Stars Await Us (2020)
Grand Prix for The Best Film, grant of 20 000 euros from the city of Tallinn, Award for Best Director, grant of 5000€ from Alexela
