UN CERTAIN REGARD RENDEZ-VOUS – Bends by Flora Lau

Carina Lau and Chen Kun © AFP

Having made two short films in 2008 and 2009 (12:30 and Dry Rain), this young Chinese director is presenting her work at Cannes for the first time. Bends, her first film, tells of the burgeoning affinity between the wife of a rich businessman and his chauffeur.

 

Tell us how your film came about…
I was inspired by the river separating Hong Kong and Shenzhen and by its duality. Hong Kong is filled with duality as well and I was interested in portraying the city, which represents a sense of deterioration for some, and a sense of hope for others. I wanted to create a real story with characters who would allow me to explore the many different layers of this society.
Any special memory or anecdote from the shooting ?
As we were rehearsing on the last day of shooting with the little girl in the film, her mother told me that she is worried she won’t always be around to make sure that her child would be able to support herself later on. The woman’s dedication for her child moved me to tears and pulled me back to reality. Up till that point, I was totally immersed into the shoot.
What type of cinema has influenced you ?
My influences change over time with new experiences and knowledge. I was inspired by the power of the film language, and how it can express real emotions on screen that is so intense and moving. I continue to be influenced by films that aim to explore this language in a new way. I would say I tend to relate to films that portray life through human emotions, and with social relevance.
Can you tell us about your next project ?
All I can say is that it will be a realism film set in Hong Kong / China.
 

SCREENINGS
Saturday 18th May / Debussy Theatre / 2 p.m. – 10.15
p.m.


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