Synopsis of GLOAMING IN LUOMU, Film Screening at BIFF 2025

GLOAMING IN LUOMU is the third film by Zhang Lu set in China after several years of working in Korea. In this work, Zhang emphasizes warmth, humor, and honesty in the interactions between characters. Rather than presenting exaggerated dramatic conflicts, Zhang focuses more on everyday moments that reveal the tender, funny, and sometimes painful sides of human life.

Bai Baihe plays Bai, the central character who comes to Luomu to find answers from a message of the past. Liu Dan plays Liu, the owner of an inn who enjoys drinking wine, while Huang Jianxin portrays Huang, Liu's girlfriend, and Wang Chuanjun as Peng, their drinking friend. The four of them have characters full of flaws and charm, making their interactions feel realistic and close to everyday life. Every glance, joke, or awkward moment brings layers of emotion that the audience can personally feel.

The story centers on Bai walking through the small town of Luomu, which can be explored in 30 minutes. The film showcases daily interactions at the inn and in the town, from casual chats to chance encounters, all of which bring the characters to life and add layers to the story. This small town feels alive through the portraits that Bai passes by, such as narrow streets, surrounding mountains, and the twilight that creates a warm atmosphere.

Bai finds traces of Wang in various places in the town of Luomu, while interactions with Liu, Huang, and Peng reopen old memories and raise questions about relationships and decisions that were once made. The film highlights how small things, like postcards, dances, or light conversations, can evoke deep emotions while inviting the audience to reflect on their own lives.

Zhang Lu maintains his warm and humorous signature style. The short and seemingly trivial dialogues actually conceal wounds, longing, or hidden curiosity. This nuance makes GLOAMING IN LUOMU different from conventional relationship dramas that rely on explosive arguments or conflicts.

GLOAMING IN LUOMU is not just a romantic drama or a travel film, but also a small town, simple life, and complex human relationships. With a warm approach, honest dialogues, and realistic characters, this film offers an intimate, reflective, and meaningful viewing experience. Its presence in the BIFF 2025 competition reaffirms Zhang Lu's artistic quality while highlighting Chinese cinema's ability to touch the personal side of the audience.