LOGLINE

In my last summer in Europe after studies, I befriended XiXi, a Chinese improvisation artist. For a time, we were free from the ideologies we grew up in. Over years of correspondence between Europe and Asia, our friendship that was a window to freedom, evolved into a room where what was silenced found its voice, forcing us to face the vulnerability that comes with the autonomy we realise we have always possessed.

SYNOPSIS

XiXi is a heartfelt essay film exploring womanhood, autonomy and the power of self-reinvention. Its story revolves around the director Fan’s friendship with XiXi, a captivating performer Fan met in Berlin. Drawn to her unique style and her Chinese roots, Fan discovers a dormant desire in herself to break free from the path of life that is expected. As the years pass, she observes the consequences of XiXi’s free-spirited nature—initially endearing but eventually troublesome. Through intimate video diaries and glimpses into the women’s daily lives, the film explores intergenerational wounds and challenges entrenched beliefs. It sparks a dialogue about accepted social values and their impact on one’s innermost existence. By sharing Fan’s and XiXi’s personal journeys, XiXi offers a mirror for viewers to reflect on their own struggles and the vulnerability that arises when forging a path of one’s own.