Angels Wear White at Venice film fest

Chinese director and producer Vivian Qu, the sole woman director in contention this year for the Venice Film Festival’s coveted Golden Lion award, presented her film, Angels Wear White on Thursday.The film, set in a Chinese seafront town, marks Qu’s return to the festival after the critical acclaim that greeted her directorial debut, Trap Street (Shuiyin jie), in 2013.“Of course I wish there were more women directors in the competition, but it’s an honour to be here with my film and my team,” Qu said.Speaking to reporters ahead of the movie’s premiere, Qu explained that she wanted to examine the responsibility of the bystander through the film, titled Jia Nian Hua in Chinese.It unspools events after two young girls are assaulted in a motel by a middle-aged man.The only witness to the attack is motel receptionist Mia, played by actress Qi Wen, who is just a few years older than the girls.As news of the assault spreads, the hotel’s management tries to cover up the incident, while Mia, worried she may lose her job – her only source of support – stays silent.One victim, 12-year-old Wen, played by Zhou Meijun, struggles with a deteriorating situation at home with her mother.With few adults to turn to, both Wen and Mia have to find their own way out of their troubles.Angels Wear White is one of 21 films vying for the Golden Lion award for best film, which will be announced today.