A poignant tale of loss and legacy: ‘Daughter’s Daughter’ at TIFF
A cinematic journey through grief and responsibility
Taiwan-based Andrews Film has recently acquired the international sales rights for the drama film Daughter’s Daughter, just in time for its premiere in the Platform section of the Toronto International Film Festival. Directed by Huang Xi, known for his work on Missing Johnny, this film promises to be a compelling exploration of familial bonds and the complexities of modern reproduction.
A stellar team behind the scenes
The film boasts an impressive lineup of executive producers, including Hou Hsiao-hsien and Sylvia Chang, both of whom are revered figures in the Taiwanese film industry. Chang, a multifaceted talent, also stars in the film alongside Karena Lam and Eugenie Liu. The narrative centers on a 60-year-old woman grappling with the sudden death of her daughter and the unexpected responsibility of her deceased daughter’s IVF embryo. This journey leads her to confront another daughter she had as a teenager, intertwining past regrets with future responsibilities.
Exploring complex themes
Daughter’s Daughter delves into the intricate issues surrounding reproduction within the LGBT community, a topic that resonates deeply in contemporary society. The film is produced by Sun Lok Productions and has received investment from TAICCA on behalf of the National Development Fund. Andrews Film has already secured its first sale to Hong Kong’s Edko Film, even before the film’s world premiere in Toronto.
A talented ensemble cast and crew
The film features a strong supporting cast, including Alannah Ong, Winston Chow, and Tracy Chou. The production team is equally noteworthy, with Shao Dongxu and Lu Hsin-li as producers, Yao Hung-I as the cinematographer, and Agnes Liu and Chu Shih-yi handling sound. The music is composed by Kay Huang, Liang Angu, and Mukio Chang, while the film editing is managed by Liao Ching-Sung and Jerry Kao. The production design is by Hwarng Wern-ying, and the costumes are designed by Shirley Kao.
Huang Xi’s cinematic vision
Director Huang Xi has a long-standing collaboration with Hou Hsiao-hsien, dating back to Hou’s 1996 film Goodbye South, Goodbye. Huang’s work often focuses on contemporary urban relationships, loneliness, and chance encounters. His 2017 solo directorial debut, Missing Johnny, was well-received, earning accolades at the Taipei festival and the Golden Horse Awards. His 2022 TV series for HBO, Twisted Strings, also featured Sylvia Chang and explored the humor and absurdity behind death and desire.
Taiwan’s progressive stance on LGBT rights
Taiwan made headlines in 2019 by legalizing gay marriage, becoming one of the first jurisdictions in Asia to do so. However, the journey towards equality is far from over. As Huang Xi points out, “Throughout Taiwan’s journey towards legalizing same-sex marriage, countless stories unfolded. Yet in this process, we see issues extending beyond marriage, which are even more complex and controversial. IVF is one of them, and such reproduction topics apply to a larger population than you’d expect, not only confined to the LGBT community.”
A story of universal relevance
Huang Xi’s intention with Daughter’s Daughter is to tell a story that resonates on multiple levels. “I wanted to tell a story relating to this modern topic, from the perspective of a mother, or a woman, or of humanity itself,” he explains. This film is not just about the LGBT community but touches on universal themes of love, loss, and the responsibilities that come with life’s unexpected turns.
Watch the trailer
For a glimpse into this poignant narrative, watch the trailer for Daughter’s Daughter.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Daughter’s Daughter, highlighting its thematic depth and the talented team behind its creation. Whether you are a cinema enthusiast, a TV series aficionado, or a music lover, this film offers a rich tapestry of emotions and insights that are sure to resonate.