THE FOREST GROWING FROM THE SEA, 40min., China
Directed by Senyang Liu
This film uses anthropomorphism? by telling the mystery of the growth of mangrove embryos, roots, leaves and flowers, the film shows the wisdom of mangroves in surviving the harsh habitat with all their strengths and the value and significance they create for the ecological environment;

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I went through two majors in my undergraduate studies;

When I was majoring in Water Supply and Drainage Engineering, two sets of data sparked my concern about mangroves: more than 1/3 of the world's mangroves I was majoring in Water Supply and Drainage Engineering; two sets of data sparked my concern about mangroves: more than 1/3 of the world's mangroves have been destroyed so far, with an average annual decline of more than 1% from 1980 to 2000, and at this rate, almost all the world's mangroves will The other set is that mangroves, which account for 0.1% of the world's total land area, are the most efficient carbon capture and storage system on earth capture and storage system on earth ...... The other set is that mangroves, which account for 0% of the world's total land area, are the most efficient carbon capture and storage system on earth mangrove ecosystems are an important element of the internationally recognised "nature-based solutions" to global climate change.

When I changed my major to a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcasting and TV, I began to experiment with the world of mangroves.

The mangrove has evolved a series of special structures that have made it possible for hundreds of species to thrive in the harsh habitat, where land and sea The mangrove has evolved a series of special structures that have made it possible for hundreds of species to thrive in the harsh habitat, where land and sea meet, lack of oxygen, high salinity, and storm surges... She has used her body to guard the living and harmonise nature.

However, since industrial civilisation, the infinitely expanding desires of humans have brought a vicious cycle of man-made disasters to the plant world, including the mangrove tree. However, since industrial civilisation, the infinitely expanding desires of humans have brought a vicious cycle of man-made disasters to the plant world, including the mangrove tree. If nothing is done, then we, the young people of today, will be the direct bearers of these disasters in the future.

What can I do?

The feeling of life can be shared in the face of the divide between species. I decided to make a documentary on the mangrove, using an anthropomorphic perspective to explore the miracle of life. I decided to make a documentary on the mangrove, using an anthropomorphic perspective to explore the miracle of life created by the mangrove tree, and to focus on the threats to its survival, trying to use the experience of the commonality of life to promote the mangrove tree. The commonality of life to promote the mangrove tree into the vision of more ordinary people, to express a contemporary university student's awareness of the concept of equality of life and the unity of life. concept of equality of life and the unity of all things, and to arouse more people to re-examine the relationship between humans and nature.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you
to make this film?

2 years

This work is a nature and science documentary, so to ensure scientific rigour, I had to do a lot of research and answer a lot of questions about why; the research period lasted one year in total;

After one year of research, I started to build a crew and shoot the film, with 2 months of shooting, half a year of studio shooting, and 5 months of post-production, I finally finished the creation of this film.

Between the teachers' help and support, and the partners' hand-in-hand, I feel very honoured and enjoy being able to work for the same goal and such a group of pure people forward.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

If I were to use two words to describe this work, I think they should be exploration and transformation.

It records the process of mangrove plants exploring for survival and dedication to nature;

It records people's exploration and change in the cause of environmental protection;

Of course, more than that, it is our creative team's exploration of the unknown, the breaking and reshaping of our knowledge system and cognition, which is a process of metamorphosis;

In the creation process, creators and works nourish each other, transforming and growing.

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

The biggest obstacle is the source of funding;

This is the work I created during my junior year of college, the whole work cost nearly 140,000 RMB, I didn't ask my family for money, so I needed to do extra work outside of class to get part of the funding for the creation; of course! Of course, part of the money came from my teacher, who helped me in my most difficult time and didn't ask for anything in return, so I really admire and appreciate her very much!

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking
about your film in the feedback video?

I am touched and grateful to see that different people and groups can recognize and feel my work.

The moment I saw the feedback just now, it made me recall the period when I was most devastated during the filming. It was during these days last year that I tried to enter the life world of Mangrove to feel her, to link up with her, and to empathize with her, and this process was guided by a lot of seniors, and I also listened to a lot of people's opinions and suggestions.

Now that I have seen the audience's feedback, it is a great recognition that they can share the same feelings as I do, and that this work can bring them into the world of Mangrove.

Although I know what I have done is far from good enough, it is also such a regret that allows me to work harder and make efforts in a better direction, and these processes are romantic and enjoyable.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

About making films, it seems that there is no point of time for an epiphany, but a natural accumulation. The documentary is a kind of documentary image for me at the beginning, which lets me see a lot of realities in my life, and gradually, I can see the social changes in the historical flood and the complexity of human nature through these realities; at last, I can see myself in other people's stories, and gradually, I feel the charm of the record and want to go I gradually feel the charm of documenting and want to do it in a down-to-earth way to create meaning and value for myself and others.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

My favourite film is "The Hours", its wonderful narrative, the use of music and the expression of the theme have given me great inspiration and help.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking
career?

Frankly speaking, the audience feedback is impressive enough in itself;

If possible, I'd also like to get feedback and comments after the streaming screening, and if you could recommend some festivals that would be suitable for our film. I'm very confused in this regard, and I don't know what types of festivals my film would be suitable for abroad, so I'd be grateful to get your advice on this!

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your
experiences been working on the festival platform site?

Film Freeway is a great platform and the whole process of submitting was very enjoyable.

10. What is your favorite meal?

My favourite dish is my mum's lamb fried rice, I haven't been home for a long time because of filming, and I've eaten all sorts of food outside, but it's still not as good as my mum's portion of home-cooked food!

11. What is next for you? A new film?

I am shooting a humanistic documentary feature film for public welfare.

I'm still in the process of exploring and challenging myself. Although I'm tired, I'm enjoying the process of growth!