Taking Father Home

With no money, one knife, two ducks, and a dream, stubborn teenager Xu Yun leaves his small village for the big city. There may be over three million people in Zigong, but Xu is determined to find his father, who abandoned his family six years ago, among them. Though Xu may have no home when he returns (his community will soon be relocated to make room for a new industrial park), he obtains his father's address from an old check and heads, appropriately, for the enigmatic Happiness Inn. Along the way, Xu meets several surrogate father figures, including a scarred criminal and an amiable cop. Despite a few dead ends, nothing dissuades this determined youngster, and threats of an imminent catastrophic flood merely heighten his search. Will Xu be able to find his father and take him home? Where will his home be? Infused with social commentary, Ying Liang's TAKING FATHER HOME, which has reaped numerous awards across the festival circuit, is perhaps China's most innovative “underground” indie. (In Mandarin with English subtitles) – E.J.B.