Los Angeles-based Chinese director Xinhao “Violet” Lu recently premiered his latest film, “Deep Into the Forest,” at the AFI Fest on October 25. Drawing inspiration from his own upbringing, Lu’s film has already garnered three nominations at the prestigious Tribeca Film Festival and received accolades from various international film festivals.
The film tells the story of a young orienteering athlete from southern China who faces a dilemma before the national championship when an old Achilles injury resurfaces due to excessive training. Caught between the desire for glory and the reality of his injury, the protagonist develops a deep resistance to the inhumane pressures of collective ideology, ultimately making a surprising decision.
Jack Wang, the film’s lead actor, previously starred in the Academy Award-winning “Oppenheimer.” Together with Lu, their collaboration on “Deep Into the Forest” has earned the Platinum Remi Award at the Houston International Film Festival, three nominations in the Moving the Spotlight section at Tribeca, and over seven nominations from various international film festivals.
For Lu, the male lead in “Deep Into the Forest” represents another version of himself. Reflecting on his own past as an orienteering athlete while studying in Zhongshan, Guangdong, Lu’s work intricately explores the harsh realities behind Chinese parents’ aspirations for their children.
From a young age, Lu has been passionate about film, and he has steadfastly pursued a challenging career in Hollywood. As a Chinese director, he has overcome cultural and language barriers, directing a variety of films over the years. The success of “Deep Into the Forest” reflects the culmination of years of hard work. Notably, the film was entirely shot in Los Angeles, yet successfully replicates the urban landscapes of southern China, achieved through extensive discussions with the art director and cinematographer as well as props brought in from China.
In addition to “Deep Into the Forest,” Lu’s short film “Red Man” presents a black comedy centered on the behind-the-scenes struggles of Asian American acrobats. The film consists of a single long take, posing a significant challenge for Lu, as precise timing was crucial for the actors’ movements. Any mistakes would require a complete reshoot. “Red Man” ultimately won the Best Experimental Film award at the 27th LA Shorts International Film Festival, highlighting the challenges faced by both new and older Asian Americans in the U.S.
Embracing realism, Lu is now planning his next feature film, tentatively titled “Long Nights.” “I’ve already written the outline,” he shared. “The main character will be a first-generation Chinese immigrant facing the realities of aging. I hope to harness the power of film to authentically portray their lives, raising awareness of the Chinese American community.”
