As The Water Flows/Cuì Hú (w. Live Stream Director Q&A)
This summer, STArt Film Studio presents Dear Home, a touring showcase of acclaimed Chinese-language films. For our Vancouver stop, we are proud to co-present this program with the Rio Theatre, inviting you to look closely once more at the moments of love and parting. As the places we grew up in drift further away, how do our memories, attachments, and the delicate mending of family ties find their way back? We hope these cinematic letters from the silver screen bring comfort to anyone who still finds themselves longing for somewhere else.
这个夏天，STArt Film Studio 精选了几部华语电影佳作，开启《乡书何处达》巡映之旅。
As the Water Flows/Cuì Hú is the debut feature film of Bian Zhuo and has already garnered significant critical acclaim in advance of it’s theatrical release on the international independent film festival circuit:
- Shanghai International Film Festival (2025): Won the Golden Goblet Award for Best Film in the Asian New Talent category.
- Silk Road International Film Festival (2025): Won two major awards, including Best Film and Best Actor.
- Hong Kong Asian Film Festival (HKAFF): Received the New Talent Award.
- Cannes Film Festival (2026): Screened on Cannes’ official promotional platform, marking a breakout international moment for local Yunnanese cinema.
- Asian Art Film Festival (2026): Awarded Best Feature Film in the Rural Chronicle Unit.
- Global Screenings: Featured as an official selection at the Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) and the Alula Film Festival.
Set against the tranquil backdrop of Green Lake in Kunming, an elderly widower’s attempt to start a new emotional chapter sparks a sharp conflict with his daughters. A tender and quiet exploration of buried regrets, generational friction, and the bittersweet journey toward family reconciliation.
《翠湖》 以昆明翠湖为背景，讲述了丧偶的老人书文试图开启新的情感生活，
“Much of the movie’s strengths emerge from Li Zhenping’s nuanced depiction of Shu-wen. Li manages a quiet depiction of an unassuming academic, who still bears the scars of having been labeled a rightist during the Cultural Revolution, as an educated intellectual. Dealing with the struggles of old age, Shu-wen is lonely after the death of his wife, and increasingly unsure how to connect with his children now that he has to depend on them in old age.” (cinemaescapist.com)
“Bian Zhuo treats his characters with understated honesty. I loved how the film moves at the pace of real life, letting emotions grow. The father, the daughters, and grandchildren are all trying, in their own imperfect ways, to find meaning in togetherness. The acting is superbly natural, so much so that it often feels as though we are eavesdropping on a real family.” (viewofhearts.com)
Saturday, June 27
Doors 1:30 pm | Movie 2:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
Assigned Admission – $20 (includes taxes and fees)
Tickets HERE
AS THE WATER FLOWS “Cuì Hú” (Bian Zhuo, 2025 / 119 mins. / NR / Chinese w. EST) The movie follows Xie Shuwen, a retired academic and octogenarian intellectual, whose wife passed away a year prior. On the first anniversary of her death, he announces to his family that he intends to pursue a new romance with a family friend. This decision triggers strong opposition and conflict with his three grown daughters
About STArt Film Studio:
STArt aims to use film as a medium to break through information bubbles, allowing people to hear different voices, discover the diversity of people, cultures, and the world on this journey, and ultimately find their own voice.
Learn more about our projects and events:
Website: www.startfilmstudio.org
WeChat: STArt电影
Xiaohongshu (RED): STArt电影
Instagram: @startfilmstudio
STArt Film Studio是在华盛顿州注册登记的非营利组织。
STArt希望用电影作为媒介让大家打破信息茧房， 听到不同的声音，在这个旅程中发现人、文化、世界的多样性， 最后找到属于自己的声音。
了解更多关于我们的项目与活动：
官网：www.startfilmstudio.org
微信公众号：STArt电影
小红书：STArt电影
Instagram：@startfilmstudio
*Film is Not Rated. Must be 19+ w/ID for entry and bar service.
*Sorry, Rio Theatre Groupons and passes n/a for this event.
*We recommend purchasing your tickets in advance at www.riotheatretickets.ca. If a screening or live event is not sold out, the remaining tickets will be available for in-person purchase at the Rio Theatre’s Box Office prior to showtime (subject to availability).
*Our box office is typically open 30 minutes before showtime. Seating for this event is assigned admission. We have a small lobby – help us avoid bottle-necking! Please arrive 30-45 minutes prior to showtime to ensure time to locate seats, and time for snacks at concession.
*All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale. No transfers or exchanges.
