Huo jian fa she shi

When a Rocket Sits on the Launch Pad
It is summer in the mountainous Liangshan region. Fang, 15, who just graduated from middle school, talks about her dreams. But life never stops, it moves too fast – like a game of basketball. Or a swaying skirt. Her phone fell into water and now she tries to find a way to dry it. The clouds pass by above her and there are too many stairs to climb. Meanwhile, the adults seem to decide her future. And the rocket keeps being launched every month.
by Bohao Liu People’s Republic of China / USA 2023 Mandarin, Sichuan Yi 12’ World premiere | Documentary Form recommendation: 14 years and up

Crew

Director Bohao Liu
Screenplay Bohao Liu
Cinematography Bohao Liu
Editing Bohao Liu
Music Caleb Freundlich
Sound Bohao Liu
Producers Bohao Liu, Gene Gallerano

Bohao Liu

Born in Sichuan, China in 1992, he studied filmmaking and screenwriting at New York University and the London Film School. His graduation film, the short documentary Eagles Rest in Liangshan, won a Student Academy Award in 2021. He is currently working on a PhD in film studies in Paris.

Filmography (short films)

2021 Eagles Rest in Liangshan 2023 Huo jian fa she shi (When a Rocket Sits on the Launch Pad)

Bio- & filmography as of Berlinale 2023