8legs: Dongnan chen

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#1 out of 2

Whispers in May from Chinese director Dongnan Chen world premieres in the main competition at CPH:DOX.
The documentary follows 14-year-old Qihuo and two friends as they road trip to buy a ceremonial skirt.
Chen describes the film as a ‘reluctant coming-of-age film’ about universal adolescence and tradition.
The mountains in Liangshan symbolize both freedom and the weight of tradition for the girls.
Chen aims to portray subjects with grace, rejecting rough, poverty-focused imagery common in earlier Chinese independent documentaries.
The film received support from multiple funds, including IDFA Bertha Fund and Field of Vision.
The world premiere is set for CPH:DOX in March, with the festival running through March 22 in Copenhagen.
Chen plans a new project exploring the intimacy between observer and subject in a hybrid film blending reality and fiction.
The film is produced by Muyi Film and Tail Bite Tail Films, highlighting collaboration with Chinese and international partners.
Other related festival content referenced alongside ‘Whispers in May’ includes coverage of other projects by Honeyland, Cleveland Versus Wall Street directors at Visions du Réel.

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#2 out of 2

China’s Whispers in May delivers a lyrical, observational portrait of a 14‑year‑old girl’s coming of age in Liangshan.
The film captures both childhood moments and growing responsibilities as Qihuo’s family pressures rise.
A pivotal puberty moment leads to a journey with friends to find a traditional skirt as a rite of passage.
The review notes moments of lush joy—swimming, teasing with boys, and carefree scenes that reveal Qihuo’s hidden ease.
The documentary’s shift into ‘improvised fiction’ introduces a narrative turn that some segments feel to stretch the rhythm.
Despite some drift, the film lands a poignant, lyrical ending that leaves viewers with a note of hope.
Dongnan Chen’s direction earns praise for a strong point of view and restrained storytelling.
The review highlights the film’s close camera work and facial close‑ups to reveal inner emotions.
The film is a collaboration with its protagonists, maintaining authenticity even with some narrative invention.
Production details place the film within CPH: DOX’s competitive program and multinational collaboration.

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