The First Taste of Loneliness
| The First Taste of Loneliness | |
|---|---|
 International teaser poster | |
| Simplified Chinese | 初次尝到寂寞 |
| Hanyu Pinyin | Chūcì cháng dào jìmò |
| Directed by | Gu You |
| Written by | Gu You Yang Yikun |
| Produced by | Shan Zuolong Du Kexin Mathieu Robinet |
| Starring | Zhou Xun Xi Meijuan Wang Shengdi Zhou Yiwei Mu Zhicheng Xu Chaoying |
| Cinematography | Mikiya Takimoto[1] |
| Edited by | Liu Xinzhu |
Production companies | Tandem Films Hangzhou Enlightenment Films |
| Distributed by | Tandem Films Les Films du Losange[2] |
Release date |
|
Running time | 135 minutes |
| Countries | China France |
| Language | Mandarin |
The First Taste of Loneliness (Chinese: 初次尝到寂寞; formerly titled A Moon for Every River[3][4]) is an upcoming Chinese-France drama film co-written and directed by Gu You, starring Zhou Xun, Xi Meijuan, Wang Shengdi, Zhou Yiwei, Mu Zhicheng and Xu Chaoying. The film follows three generations of women as they navigate grief and loneliness after the death of a beloved father. It is the last instalment of Gu's "Shan-Shui (Landscape) trilogy" following Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains (2019) and Dwelling by the West Lake (2023).[5]
The film will have its world premiere in the Main Competition section at the 31st Busan International Film Festival on October 7, 2026.[6][7]
Synopsis
[edit]The film tells the story of Jiang Yue (Zhou Xun), a middle-aged woman, struggles with grief following the death of her father. As she gradually comes to terms with her loss, she discovers that her mother (Xi Meijuan) has quietly begun a new relationship and finds a wish list left by her father before his death. These discoveries reveal the emotional connections between three generations of women. Spanning the lives of the elderly, middle-aged, and younger generations, the film explores themes of loneliness, love, death, and healing.
Cast
[edit]- Zhou Xun as Jiang Yue
- Xi Meijuan as Jiang Yue's mother
- Wang Shengdi as Mu En (Jiang Yue's daughter)
- Zhou Yiwei
- Mu Zhicheng
- Xu Chaoying
Production
[edit]Principal photography officially began in Hangzhou on May 15, 2025.[8] Filming wrapped on June 16, 2025.[9] In October 2025, the project was shortlisted for the "Red Sea Souk Works-in-Progress" section at the Red Sea Souk Project Market 2025 during 2025 Red Sea International Film Festival.[4][3]
Accolades
[edit]The film competed for various Vision Awards at Busan International Film Festival.
| Award | Date of ceremony | Category | Recipient(s) | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Busan International Film Festival | October 15, 2026 | Busan Awards: Best Film | The First Taste of Loneliness | Pending | [7][6] |
References
[edit]- ↑ "THE FIRST TASTE OF LONELINESS". Mikiya Takimoto. Archived from the original on September 12, 2026. Retrieved September 12, 2026.
- ↑ "The first taste of loneliness - A film by Gu You". Losange Films. Archived from the original on September 12, 2026. Retrieved September 12, 2026.
- 1 2 Ben Dalton (30 October 2025). "Red Sea Souk Project Market selects 40 titles including CJ Obasi, Maha Haj and Mohamed Kordofani works". Screen Daily. Archived from the original on September 12, 2026. Retrieved September 12, 2026.
A Moon For Every River (China-Fr) dir. You Gu
- 1 2 "SOUK PROJECT MARKET". Red Sea International Film Festival. Archived from the original on September 12, 2026. Retrieved September 12, 2026.
A MOON FOR EVERY RIVER - Director: You Gu; Producers: Zuolong Shan, Kexin Du - China, France
- ↑ Elsa Keslassy (May 14, 2025). "'Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains' Chinese Director Gu Xiaogang Sets 'The First Taste of Loneliness' Starring Zhou Xun, With 'Resurrection' Producer (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Archived from the original on September 12, 2026. Retrieved September 12, 2026.
"The First Taste of Loneliness" will mark the concluding chapter in his "Shan-Shui" ("Landscape") Cinema trilogy.
- 1 2 Liz Shackleton (September 1, 2026). "Busan Fest Unveils 14-Title Competition Section, Including World Premieres From Majid Majidi, Hirose Nanako & Yosep Anggi Noen". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved September 12, 2026.
- 1 2 "The First Taste of Loneliness". Busan International Film Festival. Archived from the original on September 12, 2026. Retrieved September 12, 2026.
- ↑ "顾晓刚新片携手周迅，今日在杭州开机". Sohu. 15 May 2026. Archived from the original on September 12, 2026. Retrieved September 12, 2026.
- ↑ "顾晓刚新片携手周迅，今日在杭州开机". QQ News. June 17, 2025. Retrieved September 12, 2026.