Missing

Before forgetting everything, I want to remember you.

Missing (欣欣念念) is a story about love and cherishing.

This drama short film is penned by Peixuan Liu, a Master’s Screen Production student at the University of Auckland, and executive produced by Peter Simpson.

The Writer & Director's Vision:

This story is inspired by what I've seen and heard in life and on the screen. My grandfather has been showing symptoms of Alzheimer's for almost two years now, and it was only half a month ago, while I was writing this script, that I heard the news of his passing.

A friend once told me she read a sentence - "The death of a loved one is not a momentary

storm but a lifetime of dampness," and she said, "It's true." As I grow older, I find myself facing more and more farewells, from friends who went their separate ways after school to now, relatives who have passed away. Farewells never wait for you to be ready. So, what can we do?

As a filmmaker, I thought, why not make a short film about the struggle between forgetting and love.

So, I wrote the script for Missing (欣欣念念).

Synopsis:

Lin Fang, a Chinese immigrant living in New Zealand, is diagnosed with Alzheimer's. She insists on searching for her elder daughter Cindy (欣欣), who mysteriously disappeared fifteen years ago. As Lin Fang becomes more and more confused, even putting herself in danger multiple times, her younger daughter Nina (念念) feels increasingly helpless. Since her sister disappeared, her mother has been obsessed with finding her, making Nina feel neglected, a feeling that persists even now that her mother is ill. However, the bond between family members leads Cindy to accept her mother's illness, realizing that her mother's love for her has always been there.

The film culminates in a touching revelation of familial bonds, forgiveness, and the enduring nature of a parent's love, even in the face of forgetting. Additionally, the script discusses the cultural conflicts faced by immigrants and the contradictions between different generations through Lin Fang's memories and conflicts with Cindy. In the story's conclusion, Lin Fang says goodbye to the past, and Nina cherishes the present more, which is a shared experience for myself and, I believe, many others.

Why it's unique: 

Actually, I've had the idea to shoot a movie about Alzheimer's since last year, and I've seen some similar themed films and TV shows, like "Coming Home," "Father Trapped in Time," "Elizabeth Is Missing," "Still Alice"... There's always one that sounds familiar to you. What makes Missing (欣欣念念) unique is that it narrates from the perspective of an Alzheimer's patient and also portrays the emotional journey of the younger generation.

About The Funds

The funds raised will be allocated towards the shooting of this film, covering allowances for actors and crew members, transportation, shooting props, and locations. Under the basic target goal, food and refreshments will be covered by the director.

I hope to bring this film to the screen, and we couldn't do it without your help.

Tēnā rawa atu koe.

谢谢。

Thank you all for your support.