What dances in your mind when you hear the word womanhood? It might be the joy of dressing up with friends, the shared laughter, or the delight of expressing ourselves through creativity. Perhaps it is the art of makeup, the rituals of skincare, or any number of things that define us. Because a woman can embrace her identity in countless ways, each one just as valid and beautiful as the next. Yet, there are times when womanhood reveals itself in quieter moments, subtle yet powerful. XiXi (Fan Wu, 2024) captures this softer side, offering an intimate reflection on freedom, self-discovery, and the courage to step away from the expected.
“I own nothing, but I have a huge heart.” This tender statement lingers at the documentary’s beginning, much like the quiet strength that runs through the women’s lives it follows. In Xixi (2024), director Fan Wu doesn’t try to paint womanhood in bold strokes. Instead, she lets it blossom like a whispering breeze, with subtle moments of connection, choice, and vulnerability. The documentary invites us into the relationship between Fan and XiXi, two women navigating their journeys in a world that often demands conformity. XiXi’s free and fragile spirit captivates Fan, drawing her into a friendship that quietly transforms their lives. Through glimpses into their everyday moments, XiXi dancing on empty streets and Fan grappling with her own need for change, the documentary reveals itself as a delicate meditation on autonomy and the art of reinvention.
XiXi (2024) doesn’t scream for attention. It speaks softly, offering a space for contemplation. It’s about finding freedom not in grand gestures, but in the quiet rebellion of living truthfully. What happens when we listen to the whisper inside us that wants something more? What do we find when we allow ourselves to live in ways that aren’t always expected but feel undeniably right?
In the end, XiXi (2024) serves as a documentary that dives into the subtle revolution of being a woman, a mother, or even just a human. It beautifully portrays the messy yet gentle journey of allowing life to flow naturally, without a predetermined script. It’s not about striving for perfection or certainty–rather, it highlights the beauty that lies in simply existing. And often, that’s the most meaningful story of all. Let’s celebrate life in all its forms, shall we? (Tirza Kanya) (Ed. Vanis)
Film Details
XiXi
Fan Wu | 101 Min | 2024 | Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan
In Competition for International Feature-Length
Festival Film Dokumenter 2024
Screening Schedule
Nov. 6 | 15:00 WIB | IFI-LIP
