“Whisperings of the Moon”, Interview with Director Lai Yuqing

“Whisperings of the Moon”: A Dance of Passion and Constraint with Lai Yuqing

In “Whisperings of the Moon“, director Lai Yuqing crafts a compelling narrative centered on a queer romance set against the vibrant yet oppressive backdrop of Phnom Penh. During the 2025 Busan International Film Festival, we spoke with Lai Yuqing about her inspiration, visual approach, and the journey of expanding her short film into a feature-length production.

Finding Inspiration in Phnom Penh’s Contrasts

Lai Yuqing revealed that her first visit to Phnom Penh made a deep impression on her. “When I first visited Phnom Penh, I experienced conflicting feelings because of the mixture of cultures—French, Chinese, Khmer, and English. The city gave me a sense of tragedy, which inspired me to set the story here.”

The blend of diverse cultures and the city’s ambitions for development, contrasted with traditional elements, sparked a narrative rich in passion and potential conflict. You can learn more about Phnom Penh’s cultural landscape [here](insert hyperlink here to an article about Phnom Penh culture).

Directing Cinematography: An Intuitive Approach

The film’s visual style, characterized by rhythm and fluidity akin to dance, reflects Lai Yuqing’s instinctive directing. “I create storyboards and plan lighting before shooting, but during filming, I rely heavily on the actors’ performances.”

She emphasizes the importance of adapting to actors’ spontaneity and following her intuition to capture authentic moments. Lai Yuqing immerses herself in the characters’ emotions to craft a deeply emotive visual experience.

The Symbiotic Relationship Between Filmmaker, Actor, and Musician

Lai Yuqing’s diverse background as a filmmaker, actor, and musician profoundly shapes her directing style. “That’s why my actresses trust me—they know I understand acting and how to unlock their emotional depth.”

This multifaceted experience allows her to connect authentically with performers, fostering trust and enabling genuine portrayals. She adds that the story’s emotional core involved the actress deeply, allowing for empathy and connection.

Expanding “Love is a Book”: From Fragment to Feature

“Love is a Book” served as the foundation for “Whisperings of the Moon”. Lai Yuqing explained her creative process: “To develop it into a feature, I wanted to expand the story, deepen the background, and develop the characters further.”

While maintaining a non-linear narrative style, her goal was to craft a broader, more emotionally resonant experience—blending flashbacks and present-day scenes to enrich the storytelling.

A Global Perspective: Embracing Cultural Diversity

Having studied and worked across multiple countries, Lai Yuqing brings a global perspective to her storytelling. “Living in different cities taught me that different cultures and perspectives need to be acknowledged and respected.”

Her empathy enables her to portray diverse cultures and experiences authentically, emphasizing that emotions are universal and transcend cultural boundaries.

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