Programme & Schedule
Our film programme consists of different sections. Each section has several viewings, where a number of films are shown. There are four competitive sections (International Feature, International Shorts, Children’s Film, Swedish Shorts), where a separate jury chooses a winning film in each. There will also be in-depth seminars and director talks, plus entertaining musical events.
- Programme
- Schedule
Exclusive Screenings
Concerts
Hand-picked
Spotlight: Taiwan
International Features & Mid-length Competition
Made in Västernorrland
Swedish Shorts Competition
International Shorts Competition
International Children's Films
Industry: Meetup Norr
Industry: Film Sound
Industry: Filmfest Music
Industry: Filmfest Music
Awards Ceremony 2025
All of the festival’s awards will be presented. Prizes are sponsored by the Swedish Film Institute, Scen & Film, Sundsvall Municipality, SVT, Svenska kyrkan, Vasa Bryggeri, Film Västernorrland, Film i Västerbotten, Filmpool Jämtland, Filmpool Nord, and Region Gävleborg.
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Industry: Film Sound
Case Study: The Dog
Therese Gylfe and Tove Lidman (TnT) talk about the first feature film project they worked on together, Baker Karim’s The Dog, which premiered in cinemas in August. TnT is a creative sound design duo who met while studying at SKH – Stockholm University of the Arts. After graduation, they both worked at Chimney but are now freelancers and collaborate on many projects. They both handle sound effects editing and then mix together, in both short and feature-length formats, and they also share a strong interest in field recording. In Swedish.
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Exclusive Screenings
Chocolat with Chocolate Tasting
Welcome to a flavorful evening filled with chocolate, sparkling wine, and a classic film! The evening begins with an exclusive chocolate tasting of pralines created by Jonathan Tollow, known from Hela Sverige bakar 2023, accompanied by a glass of bubbly. During the tasting, there is also an opportunity to purchase pralines to take home. Afterwards, we celebrate the 25th anniversary of Lasse Hallström’s Oscar-nominated hit film Chocolat.”
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Concerts
Cleo
This year’s Music Guest of Honor is none other than Cleo! For a long time, she has been one of the most important and versatile voices on the Swedish hip-hop scene, and her live performances are experienced as intense and spiritually charged – as much ceremony as concert. Expect it to be raw, honest, and powerful when Cleo takes the Filmfest stage! Support: Knut€.
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Made in Västernorrland
Clock – Socialist Burgers Inc.
The incredible story of the rise and fall of the state-owned hamburger chain Clock. A tale of government-controlled restaurants, industrial espionage, terrorist attacks, adventurous exploits abroad, and a very intense love-hate relationship with the USA. But it is also a story of how Sweden’s economy shifted from large-scale state ownership to near-complete privatization. A slightly crazy yet entirely true story, told by the fictional American YouTuber Lance Feedman.
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Industry: Filmfest Music
Daniel Espinosa, Jon Ekstrand, Rasmus Winther Jensen, Theis Schmidt & Allan Montan
Daniel Espinosa has directed films such as Snabba Cash, Safe House and Babylonsjukan. Composer Jon Ekstrand, sound designer Rasmus Winther Jensen, and editor Theis Schmidt have equally impressive filmographies. The four met at film school in Copenhagen over 20 years ago and have since collaborated repeatedly. Music supervisor Allan Montan has joined in on later projects, including the Netflix series The Helicopter Heist from this year, which is the focus of this talk. Here they share insights into their working process and what it means to have built their relationship from day one. In English.
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Spotlight: Taiwan
Daughter's Daughter
Following her daughter Zuer’s fatal accident, Jin’s shocked to discover that she’s now responsible for Zuer’s IVF embryo. With the fate of the embryo in her hands, she must confront her first daughter she gave up after a teenage pregnancy.
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Industry: Filmfest Music
Demo Listening – Does My Song Work in Film?
A panel consisting of music supervisors, composers, and filmmakers review submitted songs. What works in film? John Lewis Cloud (Playground Music), Rasmus Thord (Solid Music Supervision), film composer Sofia Hallgren, and director Alexandra Dahlström. Moderator: Mats Hammerman (SOM). In Swedish.
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Spotlight: Taiwan
Detention
In 1962, a sense of desolation and tension permeate the society. Fang, a twelfth grader at Tsuihua Senior High School, falls in love with Zhang, a counselling teacher.
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Industry: Meetup Norr
Documentary Focus: Panel Discussion with Current Filmmakers
A two-part panel discussion led by Cecilia Björk, Festival Director of Tempo Documentary Festival. This year, Film Västernorrland has co-produced five acclaimed documentaries: Portrait of a Confused Father, Staden brinner, Clock, Vår gröna dröm and Mormor, mamma, jag. Meet the filmmakers who have portrayed both deeply personal stories and a society in transition. In Swedish.
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Hand-picked
Dreams
Johanne documents her intense crush on her french teacher. Her mother, grandmother end up reading these intimate writings. They're both horrified by the contents but taken by the powerful writing and story. Johanne navigates romantic ideals vs reality, exploring emotions of self-discovery, love, sexuality.
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International Features & Mid-length Competition
Eat the Rich
Four films about power, money, and privilege – from the confined worlds of the countryside to the city’s ethical grey zones. Drama, suspense, and dark humor in visually striking storytelling.
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Industry: Film Sound
Education in Film Sound
Representatives from Stockholm University of the Arts, Dalarna University, Hola Folk High School, Mid Sweden University, and Luleå University of Technology present their programs. Moderator: Brian Johnston, Mid Sweden University. In Swedish.
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Spotlight: Taiwan
En oförglömlig sommar
Dong Dong just graduated from element school in Taipei. His mother was sick in bed and need to take an operation, and recover will take whole summer. Their youngest uncle takes him and his younger sister to their grandpa’s house in the countryside for this summer.
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Industry: Filmfest Music
Estera Leedham, Theodore Music
Estera Leedham is a music supervisor at London-based Theodore Music. She has worked on series such as The Crown, Sweetpea, The Gentlemen and the upcoming season of Industry, as well as films such as Wham! and Back to Black. Here in conversation with music supervisor Ida-Lee Brandel, who has worked on series such as Allt och Eva and Sommaren 85 and previously as Sync Manager for Cosmos Music. In English.
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Exclusive Screenings
Festival Finale: 7 Steg
An exclusive preview of this autumn’s major feature film. Veronica Maggio and Joel Spira, who play the lead roles, will be present to introduce the screening, followed by a Q&A with the film’s director, Andreas Öhman.
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Industry: Filmfest Music
Filmfest Music Mingle
Together with SOM and Sensus, we round off the Filmfest Music day and welcome everyone with industry accreditation to a networking mingle. A playlist with locally produced mingle music is promised!
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Hand-picked
From Ground Zero - Untold Stories from Gaza
A collection of short films initiated by Palestinian film-maker Rashid Masharawi, in response to the events following the attacks of 7 October 2023.
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International Children's Films
Frozen
Now you have the chance to experience Frozen in a whole new way – as a sing-along at the cinema! The evening will be hosted by none other than Annika Herlitz, the Swedish voice of Elsa. And of course, Frozen-inspired outfits are warmly welcomed for anyone who wants to make the experience even more special.
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International Features & Mid-length Competition
Gunman
In Isla Maciel, a Buenos Aires neighborhood plagued by drug trafficking, “El Galgo,” a former hitman for “La Madrina” is released from prison as a disgraced man, scraping by with petty theft to survive. Inspired by a true story, told in real-time through a single, continuous one-shot sequence. Filmed in the real Isla Maciel.
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Spotlight: Taiwan
In Our Time
In Our Time consists of four segments. The second segment, Expectations, is directed by Edward Yang.
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Industry: Meetup Norr
In Search of Humor in Northern Sweden
Mats Grimberg and Bengt Strömbro from SVT Humor provide an insight into how they work with SVT’s comedy offerings and their efforts to discover humor in Northern Sweden. Who will come up with the next hit concept? In Swedish.
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International Children's Films
International Children's Films 1
Whatever we do, it almost always turns out – that’s right – better together!
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International Children's Films
International Children's Films 2
Just think what a wonderful place the world can be thanks to all our dreams and all our longing.
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International Children's Films
International Children's Films 3
Welcome aboard a film adventure that reminds us how important our differences are.
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International Shorts Competition
International Shorts 1
Six playful, poetic, and captivating short films from all corners of the world. A mix of 1980s Taiwan, memories of what once was in Syria, and a talkative parrot on a paradise island.
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International Shorts Competition
International Shorts 2
Six short films about belonging and being an outsider, about grief, community, and life amidst the noise of the present. Feature film, documentary, animation, and an animal musical.
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International Shorts Competition
International Shorts 3
Seven short films about everyday activities and life’s turning points – with humor, warmth, and sharp observations of human relationships. Feature film, documentary, and animation.
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International Shorts Competition
International Shorts 4
Six short films about struggle and community, the fragility of nature, and life’s transitions – at the intersection of history, art, and human experiences.
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Industry: Meetup Norr
Karaoke Night
After the films, it’s time to party! For the first time, we’re inviting you to a karaoke night in collaboration with Quality Hotel. Once the screenings are over, it’s your turn to take the stage – start your favorite song, sing your heart out, laugh, and celebrate with us. Who knows, this might become a new festival tradition!
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International Features & Mid-length Competition
Late Shift
FLORIA, a dedicated nurse, navigates the relentless pace on a surgical ward with unwavering dedication, infusing humanity and warmth into her patient care even though the shift is understaffed. As the day intensifies, LATE SHIFT transforms into a gripping race against time, culminating in a riveting climax.
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Industry: Meetup Norr
Latest news from the Film Fund Västernorrland
Since 2023, Film Västernorrland has had a permanent film fund and is now able to host more and larger productions. Discover the latest co-productions and upcoming films. Head of Film, Marie Nilsson, will share the latest updates. In Swedish.
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International Children's Films
Life of Pi
That film is best experienced in the cinema is brilliantly demonstrated here, when the grand sea adventure about Pi and the tiger Richard Parker takes the stage on the festival’s final day.
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Industry: Meetup Norr
Lunch Networking
Continue discussing upcoming projects, ask a question to a funder, and network with industry colleagues over a light lunch. Industry accreditation required!
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Industry: Film Sound
Masterclass: Nicolas Becker
French sound designer Nicolas Becker was awarded, among others, an Oscar and a BAFTA for his work on Sound of Metal a few years ago. He is a sound designer, composer, and creative pioneer who has collaborated with some of the film industry’s most influential directors. Becker is known for developing an original and unique workflow closely tied to each individual project. His CV includes over 300 films, among them Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, Gravity, and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. In English.
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Spotlight: Taiwan
Missing Johnny
Hsu, a young woman who raises parrots and other feathered creatures in her apartment, keeps getting wrong phone calls for someone named Johnny.
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Made in Västernorrland
Mormor mamma jag
Persecution and racism leave their mark, both on a personal level and in a historical context. This film focuses on a hidden part of history – the lives of the Swedish Traveller (Resande) community – and is a quiet reckoning with traumas and shame passed down through generations.
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Hand-picked
Move Ya Body: The Birth of House
Out of the underground dance clubs on the South Side of Chicago, a group of friends turn a new sound into a global movement.
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Spotlight: Taiwan
Neongudens rebeller
Hsiao-Kang decides not to participate in the college entrance examination. He takes a refund on his cram school tuition, and opts for the bright light of downtown Taipei.
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Exclusive Screenings
Opening 2025: Portrait of a Confused Father
Gunnar Hall Jensen’s personal documentary Portrait of a Confused Father opens this year’s festival. The evening will also feature an opening speech, social gathering, an overview of festival highlights, a buffet, and DJ Hypna
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Industry: Filmfest Music
Panel Discussion: Sync
A conversation about sync with sync agent John Lewis Cloudd (Playground Music), music supervisor Allan Montan (OONA), and music supervisor Ida-Lee Brandel. Moderator: Li Stanley (Solid Music Supervision). In Swedish.
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Made in Västernorrland
Portrait of a Confused Father
A 20-year film project following a father and son takes a dramatic turn when the Norwegian director faces his own life-altering crisis.
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International Features & Mid-length Competition
Rains Over Babel
A group of misfits converges at Babel, a legendary dive bar that doubles as Purgatory, where La Flaca—the city’s Grim Reaper—presides. Here, souls gamble years of their lives with her, daring to outwit Death herself. Steeping us in the intoxicating brew of a tropical Colombian steampunk fever dream, first-time feature director Gala del Sol creates a mesmerizing, fantastical world where life and death collide and fates turn on the roll of dice.
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Industry: Film Sound
Roundtable: Film Sound
Christoffer Demby, Therese Gylfe, Tove Lidman, Oscar Lovnér, and Terence C. McCormack Maitland discuss everything from technology and working conditions to aesthetics and AI. Moderator: Carolina Jinde, SKH. In English.
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Spotlight: Taiwan
Siao Yu
Directed by Sylvia CHANG and written by CHANG and Ang LEE, this film features Rene LIU in her debut role.
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Exclusive Screenings
Sing Along: The Greatest Showman
Welcome to a colorful and entertaining evening as we screen the audience favorite The Greatest Showman – a spectacular musical filled with magic, circus, and the joy of singing. We’ll start the evening with a pre-party featuring a buffet, entertainment, and a warm-up for both your singing voices and dance moves.
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Industry: Filmfest Music
Solid Music Supervision & Universal
In 2021, Li Stanley and Rasmus Thord founded Solid Music Supervision, and among the many productions they have worked on are Ett ärligt liv, Paradiset brinner, Painkiller, Året jag slutade prestera och började onanera and En dag kommer allt det här bli ditt. Here in a conversation with Jonas Holst, Head of Film & TV / Creative at Universal Music Publishing, where they talk, among other things, about Veronica Maggio and Andreas Öhman’s highly topical 7 steg. In Swedish.
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Hand-picked
Sound of Metal
After losing his hearing, a musician must find stability now that his life has been upended. Riz Ahmed and Olivia Cooke star in this ground-breaking drama. The screening begins with a talk with sounddesigner Nicolas Becker.
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Made in Västernorrland
Staden brinner
In Härnösand, a group of unaccompanied Eritrean boys faces the growing anti-immigrant sentiment of the 1980s. That’s when 17-year-old Sara Westin starts what would become Sweden’s largest anti-racist movement: “Fem I tolv.” But when Sara and her friend Sylvia are murdered by one of the refugees, the floodgates break, and the town is shaken by attacks and cross burnings.
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International Features & Mid-length Competition
Sun Never Again
Vid, a father grappling with the threat of a corporate iron ore mine near his home, finds hope and resilience through his young son's imagination, which infuses their grim reality with optimism, fairy tales, and mysticism.
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Swedish Shorts Competition
Swedish Shorts 1
From desolate future landscapes to 1990s Kiruna – eight short films from Norrland reflecting both the gravity and playfulness of life.
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Swedish Shorts Competition
Swedish Shorts 2
Eight stories taking us from the borderlands of Eastern Armenia and conversations in the Japanese metropolis to cow pastures in Jämtland and summer nights filled with Epa-dunk.
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Swedish Shorts Competition
Swedish Shorts 3
From the restaurant floors of the 1970s to the skate park and the shadow of war – eight short films about relationships, secrets, and the moments that change us.
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Swedish Shorts Competition
Swedish Shorts 4
These six short films capture both the grand and the intimate – a world of escape and secrets, stillness and chaos, longing and encounters.
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Spotlight: Taiwan
Taipei Film Awards
This year’s nominees for Best Short Film at the Taipei Film Awards, held during the Taipei Film Festival. The Tuesday screening is introduced by Pony Ma, Taipei Film Festival. Tip: The Saturday screening will feature a talk with Taiwanese film guests.
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Spotlight: Taiwan
Taiwan Docs
Four films about contemporary Taiwan. The program is curated by Jessie Yang at Taiwan Docs, part of the Taiwan Film & Audiovisual Institute, which hosts the prestigious Taiwan International Documentary Festival.
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Industry: Meetup Norr
Taiwan Mingle
Together with the Ministry of Culture - Republic of China (Taiwan) and Ljudbang, we welcome everyone with industry accreditation to our Taiwan mingle at Teater Västernorrland. We celebrate our big Spotlight: Taiwan and introduce attending filmmakers and festival representatives from Taiwan: John Hsu (”Detention”, ”Dead Talents Society”), Birdy Wei-Ting Hung ("A Brighter Summer Day for the Lady Avengers”), Yan-Ping Wang (”Till Next Time”) and jurymembers Pony Ma from Taipei Film Festival and Hao-Ping Wu from Taiwan Film Festival Berlin, and in the presence of Po-Chun Lin from the Ministry of Culture- Republic of China (Taiwan). We also take the opportunity to celebrate the best short films from North Sweden, which will be screened before and after the mingle.
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Concerts
The Confusions
The Confusions have done it all – from major label contracts and coverage in the British music press to flops and MTV hits. They have toured abroad, played at the legendary Cavern Club, written the official song for GIF Sundsvall, and sparked Beatles-style hysteria in Kaliningrad – and now it’s Filmfest Sundsvall’s turn! After the awards ceremony, it’s time for their concert!
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Hand-picked
The Home
When Monika moves into Ekskuggan, something changes and the residents start acting strangely – her son Joel realizes that something dark and familiar is haunting the home. Based on Mats Strandberg’s horror novel.
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Industry: Film Sound
This Year’s Film Guest of Honor: Oscar Lovnér
Oscar Lovnér, a sound designer and sound engineer from Värmland, now based in Sundsvall, with 30 years of experience in recording and post-production for documentaries, drama, commercials, and international productions. This autumn, he is involved in the documentary Staden brinner and the feature film 7 Steg. In Swedish.
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Industry: Filmfest Music
This Year’s Music Guest of Honor: Cleo
Considering that one often becomes instantly curious to see Cleo’s lyrics transformed into film scenes, and that both her live performances and music videos frequently feature ambitious and carefully crafted visual and stage designs, she is a perfect guest of honor at a film festival. In this conversation, we will hear about her relationship with moving images, her experiences and thoughts on licensing her music, and her plans for the future. In Swedish.
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Made in Västernorrland
Vår gröna dröm
In the 1970s, at the height of the Green Wave ideals, Toba and Sussi seek a life in harmony with nature and move from Stockholm to the countryside to live out their dream. With great courage and boundless optimism, they start a new collective life together with their newborn child. But freedom proves to be as challenging as it is alluring – drugs, conflicts, and harsh conditions cause their dream to crumble.
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Industry: Film Sound
WIFT-Networking
Everyone with industry accreditation is warmly welcome when we and our friends from WIFT (Women in Film and Television) invite you to a networking event.
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Industry: Meetup Norr
Work in Progress
Which films are in the making in Norrland? Get an insight into the exciting journey from idea to finished film. Production companies and filmmakers present current projects – both feature films and documentaries. In Swedish.
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International Features & Mid-length Competition
Yen and Ai-Lee
Yen returns to her Hakkanese village in Kaohsiung after serving eight years in prison. Amidst her attempt to reconcile with her widowed mother, the enigmatic and urban Ai-Lee enters. As their fates intertwine, how will they inevitably confront their truths?
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