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Original Film Title: Silent Love
Director’s Name: Yuxi Fan
Writer’s Name: Yuxia Zhang
Producer: Zhe Cao
Country of Origin: China
Country of Filming: China
Language: Chinese
Runtime: 25 minutes 42 seconds
Film Description:
Set in 2013 in the Jibei Oilfield, this story follows Mingyuan, a high school student with a passion for photography, who lives in what was once a happy and harmonious family. An old camera had captured countless cherished moments, symbolizing the warmth they shared. However, as oil production declines, Mingyuan’s father faces the looming threat of unemployment, while his mother’s attention is consumed by caring for her gravely ill mother. Under the mounting pressure of college entrance exams, Mingyuan yearns for understanding and support from his parents. Feeling overlooked, he redirects his focus and sense of happiness to the old camera, clinging to the lighthearted expressions once etched on their faces. When the camera finally breaks down, Mingyuan becomes obsessed with buying a new one. Driven by this desire, he steals his father’s wages, only to uncover the financial struggles his family is enduring. Overwhelmed by guilt and a newfound understanding of his parents’ sacrifices, Mingyuan resolves to return the money and even sell the old camera to ease his parents’ burden. Yet, when he hands the money back to his father, his father instead gives him a roll of film, leading to a mutual misunderstanding of each other’s intentions. As Mingyuan embarks on his journey to university, he discovers a new camera and the roll of film in his backpack—a silent gift from his father. In that moment, Mingyuan finally realizes that his father, who had never outwardly expressed affection, had always loved him in his own quiet, unspoken way.