Acclaimed Duo Huang Ji, Otsuka Ryuji Team Again for ‘A Woman Builds’

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As a passionate cinephile, I’m eagerly anticipating the completion of “A Woman Builds,” the latest masterpiece from the esteemed directing duo Huang Ji and Otsuka Ryuji. This multilingual drama delves into profound themes such as independence, identity, and belonging in today’s Asia, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in contemporary Asian narratives.

Previously, Huang and Otsuka joined forces on two films: “Stonewalling” (2022), which made its debut at Venice and took home the Golden Horse Award for Best Narrative Feature, and “The Foolish Bird” (2017), which was initially showcased at the Berlinale.

The project, which currently has $339,000 from private investors and producer participation, and a total budget of $622,000, is looking for further funding and business partnerships in sales at the Hong Kong – Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF).

The movie tells the story of Lynn, who is separated from her husband Kenji and daughter and resides in China. She’s pursuing a dream to construct a house in her native town, which is becoming a tourist attraction. As she navigates through her growing feelings for a married coworker and encounters challenges like gender discrimination and red tape, her journey becomes more complex, causing her to ponder the potential sacrifices associated with her pursuit of self-reliance.

Huang Ji, discussing the personal aspects of the movie, shares that her husband traveled with their daughter to Japan for school during the pandemic, leaving me in Beijing by myself. For over two and a half years, without a home or car, I felt adrift and anxious. Yet, I also relished a newfound sense of freedom and enjoyed living as if single.

For Huang, the project serves as a deeply personal journey, as it’s influenced by her own pandemic-related experiences. She confesses, “I unexpectedly discovered that I didn’t feel entirely ready to return to Japan and live with my husband and daughter following the pandemic.” Simultaneously, she shares that her home town is on the brink of being transformed into a popular tourist spot due to a dam project, which is currently partially submerged.

In his role as co-director and producer, Otsuka Ryuji emphasizes the relatability of the story’s central theme: “The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, conflicts, and migration have torn families apart and uprooted homes for countless individuals, fostering a sense of disconnection in many. I aim to share this universally resonant topic with a broader public through this film.

The project unites a formidable international film crew, headed by Kuo Ming-Jung, the founder of Island X Pictures, who previously served as program director at both Taipei Film Festival and Singapore International Film Festival. Also on board is Fran Borgia, founder of Akanga Film Asia, whose impressive portfolio encompasses notable works such as “Stranger Eyes,” “A Land Imagined,” and “Tiger Stripes.”

This project boasts a top-tier international film team, spearheaded by Kuo Ming-Jung of Island X Pictures, who has also held key positions at the Taipei Film Festival and Singapore International Film Festival. Alongside him is Fran Borgia, founder of Akanga Film Asia, whose film credits include “Stranger Eyes,” “A Land Imagined,” and “Tiger Stripes.

As they told me about ‘A Woman Builds,’ I found myself resonating deeply with the protagonist’s tale,” says I, a film enthusiast. “Though her journey was deeply personal, her struggle transcends borders – it’s a story that echoes universally, a shared experience that many can identify with.

The team is striving to debut their movie at a significant global film festival. Notably, Borgia points out that they anticipate the film will receive a screening in its production countries as a minimum. Their main objective, however, is to reach the ideal audience, particularly for a film that resonates so strongly with today’s society, given its contemporary and crucial nature.

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2025-03-20 10:48