Festival&Award

Director's Note

The central conflict of the story revolves around the clash between workers and society. Qingyang holds his reputation in high esteem and believes that upholding high moral standards is essential. However, when he is confronted with the harsh realities of life, he must make a difficult decision.

The massive layoffs and economic downturn in Northeast China have led to the proliferation of institutional superstitions and unspoken rules. For individuals in that era, leaving Northeast China for a fresh start in the south or abroad was a necessary move. But a new beginning also meant uncertainty, which was the destiny of the working class.

The phrase half time serves as both a metaphor and an irony. The labor union is supposed to serve as a buffer between Japanese factories and Chinese agencies, easing the challenges faced by Chinese technical interns. However, the complexity of society and the weight of history have rendered this buffer ineffective. The one-way interview is a stark and absurd reality, which ultimately leads to a bleak and inevitable conclusion.