(OF SHADOWS)

影 (OF SHADOWS) film poster

Yi Cui

China/Canada, 2016

80 min, Colour, Mono

“captivating [...] a moving dispatch on the imperilled existence (and stubborn endurance) of a wondrous artistic tradition”

‑ Chris Kennedy (TIFF Cinematheque)


“dreamlike and amusing, [...] the film reflects on the schizophrenia of contemporary China”

Brigitte Duzan (Chinese Movies)


“with this feature debut, Cui shows a remarkable sense of contemplation, composure, and control in depicting her subjects’ struggle to keep abreast of social changes”

‑ Clarence Tsui (Film Quarterly)


“full of imposing vitality”

‑ Ling Zhang (Ta Kung Pao)


“a thoughtful meditation on the evolution of an ancient art”

‑ Caotide (L’emergere Del Possibile)


“subtle and timeless”

‑ Mónica Delgado (DesistFilm)


“my favourite Chinese documentary of the year”

‑ Wood Lin (FunScreen)

Filmed in China’s Loess Plateau, where shadow plays have entertained people and deities for centuries,  Of Shadows follows a lively and resilient group of shadow play performers as they navigate between the rural staging of ancient plays and the urban spectacle of cultural heritage preservation. While providing a rare glimpse into the nomadic lives of master puppeteers, the film paints a haunting portrait of a revered folk tradition transforming against the backdrop of a country in constant transition.

Made with the support of the Canada Council for the Arts

Awards and honours

2017    Jury Special Mention, Granada Cinemistica Festival

2016    Libraries Award, Cinéma du Réel

            Nominee, Joris Ivens Award, Cinéma du Réel

            Nominee, Bright Future Award, International Film Festival Rotterdam

            Nominee, FIPRESCI Prize, International Film Festival Rotterdam

            Nominee, Netpac Award, International Film Festival Rotterdam

            Nominee, Chinese Documentary Award, Taiwan International Documentary Festival

            Nominee, Best Canadian Documentary Award, Doxa Documentary Film Festival


Screenings (selected)

2018    Vladivostok Zarya Centre for Contemporary Art

            Bishan Ba Li Shan Independent Film Screening Series

2017    Los Angeles Chinese Film Festival

            Seoul Festival of Film Festivals

            Granada Cinemistica Festival

            Meet the Director - Hong Kong University Independent Film Series

2016    International Film Festival Rotterdam

            Cinéma du Réel Film Festival

            Toronto International Film Festival Cinematheque - The Free Screen

            Doxa Documentary Film Festival

            Taiwan International Documentary Festival

            Lima Independent International Film Festival

            La Rochelle Chinese Film Festival

            Rennes Comptoir du Doc Film Festival

            Korean Educational Broadcasting System International Documentary Festival