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Kogonada's 'Zi' Premieres at Sundance as a Microbudget, Sound-Driven Experiment

Early reviews cast the Hong Kong feature as a course correction after his recent studio misfire.

Overview

  • The film debuts in Sundance’s Next section and is currently seeking U.S. distribution.
  • It follows a young violinist (Michelle Mao) whose time-slippage and possible neurological illness unsettle her grasp of the present.
  • Haley Lu Richardson and Jin Ha co-star, with critics highlighting Mao’s performance as a standout.
  • Kogonada shot the project in Hong Kong in roughly three weeks, embracing improvisation and working without a traditional script.
  • Reviewers emphasize immersive sound and urban atmosphere, including a dedication to Ryuichi Sakamoto and a tactile audio design best suited to theaters.