Long Zhong Niao
Ian makes films in China, but has never had a chance to screen his work due to the country’s sociopolitical prescriptions. He feels like a caged bird.
His fortunes seem to have changed when his application to study filmmaking at the VCA is accepted, and he moves to Melbourne, embracing his newfound freedom. But after working on his graduation film for a year, the production is cancelled – this time, due to Australian sociopolitical prescriptions.
After all the hurdles he’s faced, Ian needs to work out whether he still dares to become the filmmaker that he always wanted to be. Refusing to give up, he decides to shoot his film on his own.
Unclassified 15+
Course: MFA FTV Narrative
Director Biography
Ian is a Chinese international filmmaker who is a big fan of French New Wave films. There are various incredible women in Ian’s life, with the most exceptional one being Ian’s mother who raised him solely. As an Asian queer filmmaker, Ian tries to experiment with his unique way of telling LGBTQIA+ and feminist stories.
During his bachelor’s degree, Ian directed and acted on several stages in China but found he was more attracted to movies. After learning film history and watching Pedro Almodovar’s masterpieces, Ian found his voice in filmmaking and decided to study it in Australia. Ian has made multiple film productions and selected and won various film festivals, such as St Kilda Film Festival, SHORT to the Point, International Independent Film Awards, and Golden Short Film Festival. Ian is now focusing on creating an Asian drag story in the Western setup.