Mothertongue () is a 2025 Chinese drama film written and directed by Korean-Chinese filmmaker Zhang Lü and stars Bai Baihe, Wang Chuanjun and Liu Dan. The film follows a struggling actress Chunshu, who returns to her hometown in Sichuan. Confused by the fact that she can no longer speak her native dialect, she searches for a new life.
The film had its World Premiere at the 38th Tokyo International Film Festival on October 29, 2025 in International competition vying for Tokyo Grand Prix.
Premise
After living in Beijing for ten years, Chunshu comes back to her hometown, Chengdu, but she feels confused and disconnected, She felt deeply distant from both her mother and the city. A newcomer named Dongdong unexpectedly enters her life and slowly helps her reconnect with the city by exploring old memories and making new discoveries.
Cast Bai Baihe as Chunshu Liu Dan as Zhang Mei Wang Chuanjun as Wang Dongdong Peng Jin as Fang Lijuan Liu Shuyi as Xiaofen
Special appearance Huang Jiansis Le Jiskam Leilan Connie Loung Han Wang Hongwei Huang Yan Nie Chuvi
Release Mothertongue had its world premiere at the 38th Tokyo International Film Festival on October 29, 2025 in International competition.
Accolades Award Date of ceremony Category Recipient Result Tokyo International Film FestivalNovember 5, 2025 Tokyo Grand Prix Mothertongue Best Director Zhang Lü Best Actor Wang Chuanjun
References
External links
Mothertongue at Douban