In a remote small town, Star, a suicidal teen, forms an unlikely rapport with An, an international student from Shanghai volunteering at the hospital. Between the two, a bond forms, cemented by their candid conversations, nightly text messages, and exchange of their deepest secrets. The boundaries of their friendship quickly expand into something special, altering both Star and An’s inner alchemy.

QUEENS OF THE QING DYNASTY

Country: Canada
Runtime: 122 mins
Image: 4K, Color, 1.37:1
Sound: 5.1 
Canadian Distribution: MDFF
US/Int’l Distribution: Factory 25
Watch: Mubi, CBC Gem, Apple TV

CREDITS

Writer/Director: Ashley McKenzie
Producers: Ashley McKenzie, Britt Kerr, Nelson MacDonald
Starring: Sarah Walker, Ziyin Zheng  
Cinematography: Scott Moore
Production Design: Michael Pierson
Costumes: Sig Burwash, Kathleen Darling
Original Animation: Cyril W. Chen
Sound Design: Andreas Mendritzki
Original Music: Cecile Believe, Yu Su
Music Supervisor: Amy Fritz

FESTIVALS

2022 Berlin International Film Festival, Germany
2022 Sydney Film Festival, Australia
2022 Toronto International Film Festival, Canada
2022 Atlantic International Film Festival, Canada
2022 Queer Lisboa, Portugal
2022 New York Film Festival, USA
2022 Vancouver International Film Festival, Canada
2022 New Hampshire Film Festival, USA
2022 Festival du nouveau cinéma, Canada
2022 She Makes Noise Festival, Spain
2022 Mar del Plata Int’l Film Festival, Argentina 
2023 Container: Brisbane Film Society, Australia
2023 Acropolis Cinema, USA
2023 Black Canvas FCC, Mexico

ARTFORUM

“destabilizing in the best, mind-expanding way”

MUBI

“a vivid array of image textures and musicalities”

CINEMA SCOPE

“By communicating a rare, cathartic, and humane commodity, McKenzie has given us a movie worth talking about”

VARIETY

“showcases McKenzie’s flair for loose, floating narratives and complex characters”