Long Time No Sea

Living with his grandma on Orchid Island, Ma Na Wei misses his father who went to Taiwan for a job. One day, at the elementary school he goes to, a new teacher comes to start his new post. He sees, however, that the small island is an uncomfortable place to stay. Furthermore, as the relationship with his girlfriend gets worse, he wants to get back to his life in Taiwan and decides to have his students participate in the aboriginal dance competition as a way to grab a chance to go back to his former life. This film tells the story of people who experience relationship dissolution with their families or society by portraying a boy and his teacher as they share compassion and communicate with their emotions through a compassionate directing style. The eyes of Ma Na Wei, whose tears have dried, reminds us of the absence of his parents which can never be filled with anything else.
(Source: UMFF)