Always

Eight-year-old Gong Youbin lives with his father and grandparents in rural Hunan; his mother left when he was just three months. Life is simple, yet at school, Gong and his classmates discover profundity in poetry as a means of expression. The verses woven throughout the film offer a glimpse into the delicate inner world of a new generation. Surrounded by tranquil landscapes, Gong begins to feel the subtle, inevitable changes of adolescence, where some things must be left behind. Directed by Deming Chen with the quiet grace of a master, every frame is a meditative work of art, evocative of the spirit of Tsai Ming-liang and Andrei Tarkovsky. This exquisitely intimate film will resonate long after it ends.

Limited seats are available for patrons requiring access for wheelchairs, low vision and hearing loop. Please contact our ticketing team directly on 1300 733 733 or tickets@sff.org.au to complete your booking.