Melodies of War
10/06/2024(US) | War | 5m
In 1944 rural China, two young musicians, trapped inside an abandoned building by enemy soldiers, share one last song together.
Directed by: Jiayang Liu
Screenplay by: Jiayang Liu
Produced by: Evan Lin
1st Assistant Directors: Peter Zhu
Cinematographer: Chloé-Eloïse Mallet
Editor: Evan Lin
Original Score: Mic Ferrante
Cast: Benson Ni | Tommy Zhang | Eric Dale | Jacob Li | Gregory Yang
1st AC: Trelas Alfred Dyson IV | Eman Ortiz
2nd AC: Ian Chen | Marissa Yeh
Grips: Eman Ortiz
Production Sound Mixer: Evan Lin
Art Director: Daisy Liao
Set Dresser: Marissa Yeh
HMU: Marissa Yeh
Stills Photographers: Ian Chen
Sound Designer: Jiayang Liu
Colorist: Chloé-Eloïse Mallet
Made for USC SCA 310
Shot on Location in Los Angeles, California
“Music and the love for life unites us all. This joy of self expression transcends all fear, suffering, and hardship. It is something that goes beyond our identity as it is what makes us human. World War II will forever be a scar in history. The countless lives destroyed, towns wiped out, generations ruined, put the Chinese spirit to the test. Within the devastation, groups of seemingly ordinary young men stood up to fight for what’s right.
This film tells a universal story of two innocent young dreamers who hope to one day make it as musicians. However, as their circumstance sets in, they realize that the only way they can overcome their pain is by expressing themselves through their voices. They sing a melody that echoes the wishes of hundreds of millions of Chinese people at the time: to be home with loved ones. The song not only gave our characters comfort but also hope.
Melodies of War is a reflection of our past, a cry for peace in the present, and a dream where we can see past our differences and celebrate each other as a people in the future.“
– Jiayang Liu Director Statement
FESTIVALS
- Opificer Media Student Film Festival – Official Selection 2024
