Yaonan Liu

Yaonan Liu was born in Kunming, China. He graduated from Beijing Normal University and ENSA Bourges. In 2024, his debut film, “The Great Phuket,” had its world premiere at the Berlinale (Generation section). The film has since been selected and awarded at several international festivals and is set for theatrical release in February 2026. He also served as editor on the film “The Botanist” (directed by Jing Yi), which was presented at the 2025 Berlinale.

Motherland

Annual Selection 2025

Jenny (23) returns to her native island in search of her roots. She forms a strange friendship with Lita, a local housekeeper. Jenny flees the tourist areas to follow Lita to her village, hidden deep within the mangroves. There, time seems to stand still. Jenny immerses herself in this authentic way of life and forms a deep bond with Lita and her family.

One day, Jenny returns to find Lita’s house, but the village has vanished, replaced by ruins. Taking refuge in a temple, Jenny witnesses an exorcism that reveals Lita is dead—she was sacrificed by the villagers… Jenny then attempts to piece together Lita’s story—whose life, death, and disappearance seem mysteriously linked to her own past. From that moment on, someone is watching her. Following her. Trying to erase her.