Viv Li
Directing
Biography
Viv Li is a Chinese filmmaker and artist based in Berlin. Born and raised in Beijing, she has spent 15 years across Europe, South America, and Southeast Asia. An alumna of Sundance Institute and Berlinale Talents, her film ACROSS THE WATERS was nominated for the Short Film Palme d’Or at Cannes in 2024 and won the Lights On Women’s Worth Award. Her work has also competed at the Venice Film Festival and won awards at IDFA. TWO MOUNTAINS WEIGHING DOWN MY CHEST, her documentary feature, will celebrate its world premieres at Berlinale Panorama 2026. She is currently developing her first narrative debut SUN HAZE.
Known For
A Chinese misfit ricochets between Berlin’s alternative frenzy and Beijing’s family order, transforming cultural whiplash into an offbeat search for identity and a playful quest for belonging.
Two Mountains Weighing Down My Chest
In a dystopian future where borders between countries are indefinitely closed, a replica of Hannover becomes the only way to experience Western culture. Citizen Yu roams through this nostalgic yet eerie town, built from memories of the past. What does he really see?
A Soil A Culture A River A People
Sandstorm blows, waters scarce. In a remote mining town without any radio signals, a quirky teenage girl gets curious about a passing truck driver.
Across the Waters
A wistful but witty account of a trip to Beijing by filmmaker Viv Li, a Chinese art student who has been living abroad for ten years. Her stay with her family mercilessly exposes how uprooted she has become by her life abroad.
I Don’t Feel at Home Anywhere Anymore
Youth, a period of life that is purposely wasted, but full-heartedly enjoyed. Following a young Portuguese girl's hair dye endeavour, the director remembers her own libertine youth. A dialogue beyond time, space and culture unfolds the truth of being young.