Pulling Away
智齿
孙锦涛 Jintao Sun
2024｜超越快乐 Beyond the Pleasure
李航和刘正远从大学就开始的七年感情在家庭的压力下最终走向终结。失意的李航想要在北京开展新的人生，却突发牙痛，求职屡屡碰壁，挣扎在回忆和现实的漩涡之中。一场和牙科实习医生的偶遇似乎像一束光照进了李航的生活。而在这高楼林立的都市中，夹缝中的光明随时都有湮没的危险。
Li Hang and Liu Zhengyuan’s seven-year relationship, which began in college days, ultimately comes to an end under family pressure. Disheartened, Li Hang seeks a new start in Beijing, only to be plagued by a persistent toothache that traps him between painful memories and present realities. An encounter with a dental intern seems to offer a glimmer of hope in Li Hang’s life. Yet light can quickly fade in the concrete urban jungle.
导演：孙锦涛
编剧：孙锦涛
主演：宋佳洋、夏寅都、文昕
制片人：于心航
摄影：韩承
类型：剧情短片
时长：14分钟
完成时间：2024年
对白语言：汉语普通话
地区：中国
制片公司：无
Director: Jintao Sun
Screenwriter: Jintao Sun
Cast: Jiayang Song, Yindu Xia, Xin Wen
Producer: Xinhang Yu
Cinematographer: Cheng Han
Genre: Featured short film
Length: 14 min
Year: 2024
Dialogue: Mandarin Chinese
Region: China
Production Company: None
孙锦涛 Jintao Sun
美国圣地亚哥州立大学影视制作硕士。生长于北京。短片作品《智齿》入选第25届圣地亚哥亚洲电影节。
Graduated from San Diego State University with an MFA degree in Film and Television Production. Born and raised in Beijing. Short film “Pulling Away” was selected by the 25th San Diego Asian Film Festival.
导演阐述 Director’s Statement
《智齿》的灵感源自于我自己在美国拔智齿的一次经历。身处异乡、孤立无援的无助感在彼时十分强烈。影片的主题同样来自于我个人对感情的观察和感悟。当代中国的同性恋者面临的不仅是来自家庭的传统婚恋压力，也饱受着新时代快餐恋爱文化的冲击。主角李航可以看作是中国高速城市化进程中一个普通渺小的男同性恋者的缩影。故事以非线性叙事展开，通过闪回与现实交错，呈现他内心的彷徨与挣扎。影片的基调含蓄而压抑，正如我们的社会对于同志议题的态度。我相信这个影片应该能引起不少人的共鸣，也希望有更多人可以了解他们的处境。
Pulling Away was inspired by my experience of wisdom tooth extraction in the United States. Living in a strange land with no one around evoked intense feelings of helplessness at the moment. The theme of the film also stems from my reflections on gay relationships. Gay men in China face not only conventional family pressures regarding marriage but also the challenges of modern hook-up culture. The protagonist can be seen as a microcosm of average, marginalized gay men amidst China’s rapid urbanization. The story unfolds through a non-linear narrative with intertwining flashbacks and the present, highlighting Li Hang’s struggles and doubts. The tone of the film is oppressive and implicit, mirroring the government’s attitude toward LGBTQ+ issues. I believe this film will resonate with many people just like Li Hang, and I hope it will raise awareness about their situations.
