Tzu-Ying Chen

The film explores the concerns surrounding the pursuit of urbanisation. As urban areas attract people from all over the world, they also face significant difficulties, such as high crime rates, environmental issue, and a growing population, which gradually erode the hopes and dreams of city dwellers.

Coming from a small town in Taiwan, I was filled with idealised portrayals of vibrant cities through the media. However, upon moving to Taipei, I felt overwhelmed and disoriented in the fast-paced urban environment, with its towering buildings and constant activity. These experiences, characterised by the challenges of adjusting to a bustling city life, caused feelings of frustration and depression.

Later, when I arrived in London, a true metropolis, I witnessed social issues that exposed the darker side of city life. It made me think about those who, like me, arrived with aspirations but became consumed by the complexities of the city.

In this film, I aim to provide relief to fellow urban residents by taking them on a journey that captures and evokes their feelings and experiences.

The film is based on a recording of my grandfather sharing how he feels about growing old. He has always been an elder figure to me; his image is deeply ingrained as a 'Grandfather' in my mind. However, from his point of view, he still sees himself as a young man who never ages. This contrast in perspective is a common experience that many people can relate to. We often realise how time flies when we celebrate birthdays each year, but we are not fully aware of the physical ageing process.

The film can be seen as a conversation between my grandfather and me. As he speaks to me, my memories are reshaped into different figures based on my reactions to his words. The screen depicts him from my perspective, represented by collages of his personal items that serve as fragments of my memories. In the end, I remove those fragments that cover his face, breaking the image of a grandfather, and finally seeing what he sees.