The Summer Is Gone

Set in a small Chinese village during the early 1990s, Xiaolei yearns for a carefree summer break after finishing primary school. Instead of the joy he anticipated, he finds himself trapped in a monotonous routine, heightened by the anxiety that permeates his surroundings. The departure of his father marks a pivotal moment for Xiaolei, forcing him to confront the stark reality of his transformed life. As he navigates this new chapter, the weight of his circumstances becomes increasingly apparent, leaving him to grapple with the bittersweet nature of growing up.