“Red Coral”
Can love outlive death? Director Ningning’s grandpa Zhao is an 85-year old man, who has faced not only extreme hardship during the second war but also the serious illness of his wife Lu that left her almost paralysed. Even though Zhao is a scientist, he believes that “love is a real kind of natural power” that can overcome any hardship, and he proves it. The film explores a unique world of the elderly who are deeply in love.
Director Biography
With a passion for pushing the boundaries of storytelling, I am currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Film and Television Studies at the University of Glasgow, delving into the realm of Virtual Reality in 360-Degree Documentary. My research explores the fusion of creative practice and research. I earned a Master's in Film Directing from the University of Edinburgh, receiving the Master of Art (eca). Beyond academia, I've demonstrated my storytelling prowess through projects like the independent documentary "Red Coral" and the science fiction film "Edition Fantasy." Explore my portfolio at https://shmilysong19961115.wixsite.com/portfolio for a glimpse into my multifaceted directorial and creative endeavors.
Director’s Statement
I was raised by my grandparents: we have been very close to each other. My childhood impression of their home was that the atmosphere was warm and time slowed down. Yet, ten years ago, grandma Lu was diagnosed with Cervical Oppressive Myelopathy. It has left her paralyzed. Time started to go too fast: I felt powerless and I realized that there is not enough time. Though I cannot control objective time, I believe that making this film about Lu and Zhao’s belief in love might change subjective time. My motivation in making Red Coral is to preserve my grandparents’ time, and to explore their unique personalities, as despite anything, they are full of love for each other and the world. What has shaped them to be as they are? What can I learn from them? Red Coral is a hybrid film that combines traditional observation of my grandparent’s daily life, with poetic elements that helps it to be immersed in both the atmosphere of a dream that I had and Zhao’s memories of World War II. The narration of war memories dwells on neither sentimental excess nor nationalist indignation; it was used to let the events unfold in a matter-of-fact manner to explore my grandparents’ generation’s story. Meanwhile, filming my grandma’s current health condition is full of ethical dilemmas. I try to preserve her self-esteem by finding the balance in “watchfulness” and “distance”. I don’t portray her body to win the sympathy of the audience, but to show her sincere words and positive mind.
This cinematic journey unfolds like a lyrical ode, chronicling the profound reflections these souls shared with the world during their time on the world. Documenting my grandparent’s life, I was amazed by the healing process that making this personal film has been for me; it has also become a process of reconciling with existential questions. Life has been filled with twists and turns for my grandparents Lu and Zhao. Even though they are vulnerable, they are resilient. Although our journey is particular, the point of view of our own lives and love are deeply empathic, making it in many ways resonant and universal.
They left this world during the pandemic, my grandma and grandpa are scientists and atheists, but they believe that love lasts longer than death. I will live a good life and move forward with their love.