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Deep Dive: Small Talk (2016)

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Small Talk
Small Talk is a 2016 Taiwanese documentary directed by Huang Hui-chen that focuses on her relationship with her mother, A-nu, a lesbian Taoist priestess. The film aims to reconcile a painful past through sit-down interviews and home videos spanning 20 years. Huang seeks to understand her mother's identity, as A-nu has expressed a clear disinterest in traditional family roles, never wanting to marry or have children. The narrative unfolds through interviews with A-nu's past and present lovers, her siblings, and Huang's own reflections. The film culminates in a pivotal conversation between mother and daughter, which could either heal their relationship or deepen their estrangement. This personal story is set against the backdrop of Taiwanese culture, providing insights into the complexities of familial bonds and identity.

Why Watch

  • •Meet A-nu, a lesbian Taoist priestess with a complex past.
  • •Find out how Huang confronts her mother's choices.
  • •See the impact of family dynamics on personal identity.

Did You Know

•Small Talk premiered at the 53rd Golden Horse Film Festival on October 5, 2016.
•The film won the Teddy Award for Best Documentary at the Berlin International Film Festival on February 17, 2017.
•Small Talk was the first Taiwanese documentary selected for the Panorama section at the Berlin International Film Festival.
•It was nominated for Best Documentary and Best Editing at the 53rd Golden Horse Awards.

Perfect For

LGBTQ+ narrativesTaiwanese cultureMother-daughter relationships