From writer and director Olivia Hang Zhou, Apart, Together tells the profound and sensitive story of a mother searching for the daughter she was forced to abandon due to China’s one-child policy. Starring Leann Lei as the determined mother and Shavvon Lin as her teenage daughter, Yiru, the film has won numerous awards including Best Actress for Shavvon at the London Independent Film Awards.
The search takes Yiru to Los Angeles as she attempts to find a girl named Stephanie whom she believes to be her sister. Despite her mother’s frantic tenacity and hopeful belief she will find her other daughter, Yiru seems more reserved. Thoughts of inadequacy and insecurity creep around the back of her mind. As a result, she is reluctant to reveal some information that could help their search.
The wonders, and perhaps the dangers, of social media provide a helpful hint as the mother and daughter duo make their way to a church where they believe Stephanie volunteers. Here they find a girl that matches the age of Jia’s daughter. But is it really her?
Yiru’s insecurities burst forth. She wasn’t the son her mother wanted, and now she feels she isn’t even the daughter her mother wanted. The film culminates with an emotional sensitivity that truly reflects the depth of talent shared between Leann Lei and Shavvon Lin.
While the on-screen relationship between mother and daughter lights up the foreground in a glowing testament to both actresses, the background of Apart, Together also contains beacons of excellence. Great consideration has been given to the lighting and cinematography. Many shots are suffused with warm, amber tones. Director Olivia Hang Zhou, art director Yang Liu and cinematographer Lucia Zavarcikova work together in perfect harmony.
A thematic motif of foreground and background emerges throughout the visual staging of certain shots. With Yiru lingering pensively in the background and her mother positioned further forwards, the staging and the cinematography creates a sense of juxtaposition. We see Yiru react to her mother; the contrast in their emotional states. We also notice that Yiru’s mother remains unaware of her daughter’s distress. The strange relationship created by this dual perspective means the actresses’ movements appear imbued with significance.
All elements of the film rise to exceptional standards. Small details elevate the narrative even higher. For example, the symbolism of the umbrella provides a unique and poignant thread that weaves through the story. Because it is so well written, the film feels complete and contained while simultaneously giving the narrative enough space to breathe and develop naturally. Alone, Together also nods towards the larger issues upon which the foundations of the film’s narrative are based, specifically the effects of China’s one-child policy. These links with very real and current issues are constructed with sensitivity and care. The music, by Yifan Lin, continually complements all elements of the film, continuing this sensitivity into the audio realm.
An overall stunning work of art.
Interview with actress Shavvon Lin
I asked actress Shavvon Lin, who plays the part of Yiru, some questions about her role in Apart, Together and the broader scope of her career.
Q: Could you tell me a little bit about your decision to move to America to study film and communications at UCLA? Was it difficult to leave where you grew up? How was your time at university?
“I really enjoyed my time in UCLA. I love to engage in interesting dialogue with people from all over the world and UCLA has been a great place for that. I came in with an undecided major and gradually I started to get more interested in film. I grew up in the metropolitan area of a major city in China, so when I first came to LA, it felt like a suburb for me, and I love that. I miss my family and Cantonese food though!”
Q: You’ve acted in several short films now – which has been your favourite role and why?
“My favourite role is Yiru in Apart, Together, because I also grew up in a son-preference environment. I connect with Yiru and her experience.”
Your career is extremely diverse, branching out from acting in short films into voice acting and commercials; writing and translating. You are also a singer songwriter! Have you always been interested in music?
“Yes, I have always been interested in music and singing. My mother went to a music college and taught music in college. From an early age, I started to receive formal vocal training. Singing has always been my biggest hobby growing up.”
What other paths do you hope your career takes? Are there any new territories you particularly want to explore?
“I’m writing scripts and I hope to start my own production company soon.”
Moving back to Apart, Together, what did you find most difficult about playing the part of Yiru?
“The most challenging thing for me was to fit the director’s style. Olivia wanted a very subtle and nuanced performance and we rehearsed several times to lock in the style. For me, style is equally important as ‘being truthful to the moment’. It’s an actor’s responsibility to deliver the performance in the director’s style and vision.”
What was it like winning eight Best Actress awards for the role?
“I just feel so grateful and honoured to be recognized by the judges and the festivals. It also means that I need to work harder on my job because people are watching!”
What do you think Apart, Together says about China’s One-child policy?
“I think that Apart, Together depicts the sadness in a poetic way. One-child policy affected so many families and lives in different ways. The one thing they have in common is that they are all stories hanging with sadness, guilt, helplessness, loneliness and regret. Apart, Together captured these subtle sentiments. It did not give any answer or judgement. It just conveys the emotions. And for me, that’s more powerful.”
The film is closely centred on the relationship between Yiru and her mother. What was it like working with Leann Lei, and how did you cultivate such a compelling on-screen relationship?
“Awwh thank you. Leann was so lovely to me and everyone on set. We rehearsed a couple of times before filming and rehearsals helped a lot with the chemistry. We work in slightly different ways but somehow it worked out perfectly. I focused more on realizing the director’s vision so I asked questions and listened more, while Leann gives out her own opinions and thoughts more. There is a nice balance between the two working styles!”
Is there a quote, saying, or ideology you strive to live by?
“I try to stay away from the vanity side of my industry and focus on the art itself. The joy and the sense of fulfilment from creating is the only reason why I’m pursuing this career, and I remind myself daily. Vanity vanishes quickly and leave hollowness in the heart. It’s also kind of boring. It pretty much centres around attention seeking and ego. It gets so repetitive too.”
//
Many thanks to Shavvon for giving me her time! Watch the trailer for Apart, Together below!