THE PLUTO MOMENT - POST SCREENING Q&A SESSION

Meet the Director (Zhang Ming) for a special Post-Screening Q&A session on 27 and 28 August.

Discuss about the thoughts and feelings behind filming the film.

THE PLUTO MOMENT

Details

Cast: Wang Xuebing, Liu Dan, Zeng Meihuizi, Miya
Director: Zhang Ming
Genre: Drama
Running Time: 110 mins
Language: English and Chinese Sub
Rating: NC16

Synopsis:

[Part of the Contemporary Asian Cinema Series co-organized by Filmgarde and the Singapore Film Society]
WANG Zhun, a film director living in Shanghai, travels to the deep mountains of southwest China seeking the inspiration for his film in the traditional song of mourning The Tale of Darkness. He is accompanied by DING Hongmin, the savvy producer; BAI, a handsome young actor just beginning his career; and DU Chun, the videographer and an admirer of WANG Zhun. Over time, the crew, even though they are led by the knowledgeable local guide LUO, not only get lost in the distant mountains, but they also encounter difficulties with their lodging and transportation.

The tougn situation keeps reminding WANG Zhun of a image, that is his estranged wife GAO Li, a famous actress. He confirms her participation in his new film. However, GAO makes fun of WANG Zhun saying that his script is impossible.

Along the trip, the relationships among the crew members change and the trip begins to lose its direction. WANG Zhun’s rootless, fearful emotions are stripped bare. They finally get to watch the aging singers performing The Tale of Darkness at a funeral. The song brings them into an extraordinarily different world.

The next day, WANG Zhun wakes up in the early morning on a hilltop, looking down at the village and the illusion he has always been seeking unveils in front of his eyes.

Reviews

"Zhang claimed he chose the title because Pluto is illuminated by the sun, and this “weak luminosity” encapsulates the twilight phase in the protagonists’ lives. The fluid cinematography by Li Jinyang captures the primeval ambience of the locations with a greyish, dusky hue."

- Maggi Lee, Variety

"Low on linear narrative and conventional event, this languid, sometimes dreamlike journey is highly digressive, with Zhang Ming’s film itself seemingly open to the same dimension of chance that governs his fictional film-makers’ wandering."

- Joanthon Romney, Screen Daily

"With its long takes of characters' quest for spirituality, and its lush depictions of rustic landscapes and traditions, Pluto Moment is an intriguingly beautiful mix of sensation and Zen." 

- Clarence Tsui, The Hollywood Reporter

Book your tickets here.