Publication: Vancouver Chinese Radio
Date: May 20, 2022
The Year of Innocence premiered this week at the Vancouver International Film Center. The film was named Best Feature Film at the UK Independent Film Festival and also won Best Film and Best Director at the New York Film Festival.
The premiere made a strong impression on the local Chinese community. Many people in the audience connected with the film’s exploration of women’s social status and its broader themes.
The Year of Innocence is directed by Zhang Xun and produced by Sun Yu. The film uses black-and-white cinematography which has highlighted the main theme of the whole film. The story is about a young woman from a small town which explores the moral choices between money and personal integrity under a modern urban setting. Through the visual contrast between light and shadow, the film reflects the social pressures women have to face in the contemporary society.
Premiere of the film The Year of Innocence
The Year of Innocence is the third time director Zhang Xun and producer Sun Yu have collaborated. Speaking of the inspiration behind the project, Sun shared that the idea originated from a casual conversation he had on a train. He talked with a playwright about how many young women from rural areas move to big cities, hoping for better lives, but often face challenges. This conversation inspired the film’s main theme, which focuses on women’s struggles and social issues.
The official poster of The Year of Innocence
Producer Sun also mentioned that the production team faced financial challenges during filming. Through close collaboration and a focus on the quality, they successfully completed the project.
The film will also participate in the upcoming Cannes, Toronto, and Vancouver International Film Festivals.
Kami (photographer), Sun Yu (producer), and Qianye (reporter)
Burnaby City Councillor Wang Baijin expressed his gratitude to Sun Yu and the production team. He mentioned the challenges the crew members faced in producing the movie during the pandemic. He also noted that the film has helped promote engagement with the local Chinese community.
Burnaby City Councillor Wang Baijin during the interview