News & Reports
Oct.26 Director of “A Brighter Summer Day for the Lady Avengers” Birdy Wei-Ting Hung appeared in person for Q&A
2025.10.29
Director Birdy Wei-Ting Hung from Taiwan took the stage to discuss her film A Brighter Summer Day for the Lady Avengers and the creative process behind it.
Based in San Francisco and holding an MFA from the University of San Francisco’s School of Cinema, Hung combines Taiwanese sensibility with an international cinematic perspective.
The film draws inspiration from 1980s Taiwanese cinema, particularly the works of Edward Yang, to whom the director pays homage.
“I’m deeply drawn to Yang’s realism and the tactile quality of his images,” she said.
To capture a similar visual texture, the film was shot entirely on 16mm film.
The story portrays women who rise against social oppression and reclaim their agency.
“Women in Asia have often been portrayed as vessels of tragedy,” Hung explained.
“I wanted to give them power — to show their anger and resistance.”
Despite being shot in only three days, the production was highly focused: “The cost and constraints of film pushed everyone to bring their best.
That pressure actually fueled our creativity,” she noted.
Discussing sound and visuals, Hung emphasized emotional proximity:
“Cinema often feels distant. I wanted the audience to feel the sound —to respond with their senses before their intellect.”
On casting, she recalled, “The connection with my lead actress was instant — she brought emotional truth to every frame.”
In post-production, she collaborated closely with her editor, citing influence from Dario Argento:
“The first cut felt almost like a music video, but through refining image and sound,
we created something more psychological and immersive.”
Asked about her next project, Hung smiled and replied, “I’ll probably continue with short films. The short form truly suits the way I tell stories.”
The audience responded with enthusiastic applause.
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