Synopsis

Mom always braided my hair so tightly that it carved a distinct path atop my head.

But one day, she cut off the carefully braided hair.

Along the path, I touched our unbreakable inner attachment, and the journey of

female growth we were both unprepared to face.

Curators’ note

Director’s bio

Chenxi Zhang is a Chinese independent animation artist, explores the delicate emotions and subtle contradictions in human relationships through hand-drawn animation, seamlessly integrating material experimentation to elevate the narrative and create captivating visual experiences. Her works capture the unspoken intricacies between individuals, unveiling a realm of unexpressed sentiments.

Director‘s statement

This lifetime is filled with moments akin to when my mom used to braid my hair. The stages of being a girl, a young woman, a wife, a mother—these phases always seem somewhat disconnected from the past. We are forced to grow intentionally or unintentionally, unprepared for what lies ahead. Life always moves forward, and we have to "grow strong."

Now, I've reached a point where I must admit my moments of hesitance to move forward. Yet, I dare not show immaturity. But when I see our similar short hair and hair parting, I realize we share similar traces of growth and struggles. Presently, both my mom and I are moving forward passively, pretending to be strong.

In this case, let me choose to be someone not strong.

Festival & Awards

2024

6th NOWNESS Short Film Talent Awards

- Best Creative Award

18th FIRST International Film Festival

- Short Film of the Year in First Frame category

26th Seoul International Women's Film Festival

Aichi International Women's Film Festival

Casts

Credits

Sound & Score: Squash & Biscuit