The First Taste of Loneliness (; formerly titled A Moon for Every River) is an upcoming Chinese-France drama film co-written and directed by Gu You, starring Zhou Xun, Xi Meijuan, Wang Shengdi, Zhou Yiwei, Mu Zhicheng and Xu Chaoying. The film follows three generations of women as they navigate grief and loneliness after the death of a beloved father. It is the last instalment of Gu's "Shan-Shui (Landscape) trilogy" following Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains (2019) and Dwelling by the West Lake (2023).
The film will have its world premiere in the Main Competition section at the 31st Busan International Film Festival on October 7, 2026.
Synopsis The film tells the story of Jiang Yue (Zhou Xun), a middle-aged woman, struggles with grief following the death of her father. As she gradually comes to terms with her loss, she discovers that her mother (Xi Meijuan) has quietly begun a new relationship and finds a wish list left by her father before his death. These discoveries reveal the emotional connections between three generations of women. Spanning the lives of the elderly, middle-aged, and younger generations, the film explores themes of loneliness, love, death, and healing. Cast Zhou Xun as Jiang Yue Xi Meijuan as Jiang Yue's mother Wang Shengdi as Mu En (Jiang Yue's daughter) Zhou Yiwei Mu Zhicheng Xu Chaoying
Production Principal photography officially began in Hangzhou on May 15, 2025. Filming wrapped on June 16, 2025. In October 2025, the project was shortlisted for the "Red Sea Souk Works-in-Progress" section at the Red Sea Souk Project Market 2025 during 2025 Red Sea International Film Festival. Accolades
The film competed for various Vision Awards at Busan International Film Festival.
Award Date of ceremony Category Recipient(s) Result Busan International Film Festival October 15, 2026 Busan Awards: Best Film The First Taste of Loneliness
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