top of page
翠湖电影海报(水彩)NEW (2) (1).jpg

As The Water Flows

China | 2025 | 119min | Family Drama |
Mandarin Chinese / Yunnan Dialect 

Director: BIAN Zhuo 
Screening Time: 10/18/2025
7pm – 8:59pm & 30 min online Q&A

1st. Feature

U.S. Premiere

Synopsis: 

After his wife's sudden death, Shu Wen struggled to recover. A year later, he considered a new romance, but his daughters disagreed. This led to a communication opportunity, making Shu Wen aware of his past “absence” in the family. He shifted his focus to those around him and realized that he was not as useless as he had thought. As he reintegrated into the family, differences and conflicts arising from varying social statuses within the family became apparent. While the middle generation appeared harmonious, their regrets and struggles were reflected in the younger generation. As a "bystander" in the family, Shu Wen keenly observed this and took it upon himself to heal his loved ones in his own unique way. In doing so, he not only reestablished the family bond but also found solace for himself.

*Validated parking by the theater at the Trader Joe, 9290 Culver Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232

​Trailer

Film Still

1.78_1.78.1 (2)
1.89_1.89.1 (2)
1.39_1.39.1 (2)
1.68_1.68.1 (2)
1.231_1.231.1 (2)
1.300_1.300.1 (2)
1.319_1.319.1
1.2.1_1.2.1 (2)
1.140_1.140.1 (3)
1.121_1.121.1 (3)
1.217_1.217.1 (2)
导演照.webp

​About The Director

BIAN Zhuo 

Birth name Wang Zixuan, Graduated from Academy of Art University in San Francisco with MFA degree, returned to China in 2017 and has since served as cinematographer. Most of them are independent productions. Since 2021, he has written and directed three short films. His work was selected for the 2021 Golden Rooster Youth Director Training Camp, his feature film was shortlisted for the 2024 Shanghai International Film Festival’s WIP and the 2024 Golden Rooster Film Festival’s WIP. Currently based in Yunnan, he is developing a road movie centered around the traditional dramas of Yunnan’s ethnic minorities.

Director's Statements

Last year, I sorted through my grandfather’s diary and used it as inspiration to create the "Green Lake". While writing, I repeatedly felt a deep connection with the deceased. I imagined myself as my grandmother, who had passed away even earlier, watching me and my family members relive our lives in some parallel universe. From then on, I realized that "Green Lake" was a film that I would go to any lengths to make.

​Copyright@ 2025 ALULA Film Festival 

bottom of page