Synopsis

At a deer farm in Changhua County, a middle-aged man is asked to cut off a stag's antlers in front of his two kids.

Curators’ note

On deer farms in Changhua County, Taiwan, stag antlers are harvested annually for their use as aphrodisiacs. The Stag follows a father and two sons through this ritual, weaving the nuances of power and play into a poignant narrative. Through tender yet unflinching cinematography, An Chu reveals the characters’ delicate personalities, juxtaposed against the raw aftermath of a culture steeped in toxic masculinity. By drawing parallels between men and animals, both caught in cycles of confrontation and submission, the narrative invites us to reflect on how this culture of dominance filters into everyday interactions, reshaping environmental, familial and social dynamics.（Tina）

Director’s bio

An Chu is a graduate of the Film MFA program at Columbia University. His thesis film, Tuo Tuo, won the Best Short Film at Sundance Film Festival Asia and the Best Student Award at Kaohsiung Film Festival. His latest film, The Stag, was nominated for Best Live Action Short Film at the 60th Golden Horse Film Festival.

Director‘s statement

I had spent a year in the deer farm before making the film. Antler harvest is an annual event in Changhua County. Many locals will gather every April for this physically intense event. They believe antlers have aphrodisiac and healing effects to men. I try to explore masculinity and see how it influences the next generation through this film. 
The actors are all farmers and villagers there. I try to blend documentary and fiction together with an observational style.

Festival & Awards

2023

60th Golden Horse Film Festival Best Live Action Short Film（Nominee）

2024

8th Pingyao IFF Fei Mu Awards · Best Short （Nominee）

Casts

Yung-He Chen, Wei-Jen Chen

Credits