BISFF 2024: The Teacup (2024)

Coverage from my time at the Oscar-qualifying Bengaluru International Short Film Festival (BISFF)

Mei Li (Joyce Ji) discovers a bittersweet recollection from her growing up years in the form of a familiar teacup while out shopping with her daughter. Immediately this mundane household item triggers memories of an abusive father whom she has disowned, even distanced her own daughter from and a strained relationship which is as unmendable as a shattered China cup.

This short is a nuanced exploration of neglectful parenting and generational trauma as well as an abusive cycle that continues, in particular towards the women of the household, such as when Mei Li’s devoted but ultimately humiliated, mentally exhausted and physically abused mother leaves, the ‘patriarch’ resorts to subjecting his only daughter to severe beatings with a wire hanger. Thus, it isn’t altogether surprising when the traumatized Mei Li eventually starts her own family far from home and wishes to never subject her own child to the abusive atmosphere she grew up in, nor the abusive man from whom she severed ties.

The Teacup also subtly navigates an innocuous Mei Li’s journey in unlearning harmful and bitter behaviors in her toxic household via brief encounters between the young and charming schoolgirl and the owner of a sweet shop (from whom Mei Li buys a teacup with her hard earned pocket money, only to be struck by the harsh reality that gifts aren’t enough to soften a hard heart) offering her a free mouthwatering lolly with her purchase, later also learning genuine kindness and forgiveness from strangers on the bus too.

The short is supported by a haunting score and some impressive performances from the ensemble, especially from the promising Chien Yu Su playing a young Mei Li. All in all, The Teacup leaves a lasting impression despite its short running time and a simplistic concept.