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WHISPERS IN MAY

Documentary I China, South Korea I Feature I 2025

Director I Dongnan Chen

Producer I Jia Zhao, Heejung Oh

The film follows 14-year-old Qinghua, whose first menstruation sets off a journey of self-discovery. In the Yi traditions of Liangshan Mountain in southwest China, this milestone requires a new skirt for her menarche ceremony, marking her transition into adulthood and the potential for an arranged marriage. With her parents working in distant cities and her grandfather recently deceased, Qinghua hides her menstruation, relying on two close friends to help find the needed skirt.

Grounded in real experiences, the film embraces spontaneity as the girls and the filmmaker embark on a road trip. This journey goes beyond finding a skirt, merging reality and imagination to explore adolescence, cultural traditions, and friendship. Whispers in May captures the resilience and spirit of youth as Qinghua bids farewell to her girlhood.