We interviewed Director Chien-Yu LIN, whose film “SUO JIANG” (The Locksmith) was screened in International Short Film Competition B.
When asked why she chose to create this film, Director Lin explained her overarching artistic interest:
“I have always loved making films about human nature,” she said.
“When I look deeply into human nature while creating a film, I begin to see the relationship between myself and the world.”
She continued,
“In this film, I wanted to portray loneliness, and the vulnerability people show when they lose their way. Especially for women, I think that as we grow up, we sometimes learn to stop feeling our own emotions. Loneliness and suffering are experiences shared by everyone, and I wanted to express that we are never truly alone.”
We then asked why she chose a locksmith as the protagonist.
She explained that she sees the locksmith’s profession as a unique one—“a job that allows a person to move freely between the private spaces of others’ lives.” She also shared a personal anecdote: near her home lives a locksmith whose shop contains everything necessary for daily life—bed, towels, tools, all in one space. Observing this person, she wondered, “What kind of life does he lead?” That curiosity became the seed for her story.
At the end of the film, the locksmith protagonist opens a mysterious blue door. When asked why he was finally able to open it, she revealed an unexpected intention:
“To be honest, I didn’t want him to open the door at all.”
She explained that within the locksmith’s world, there exists an unspoken rule: a door must never be forced open.
“He is a highly skilled locksmith, yet in the end he breaks the rule and opens the door by force. In that moment, I embedded his weakness and inner conflict.”
Finally, Director Lin shared warm words about the Hiroshima International Film Festival:
“The festival welcomes me with such warmth. I am grateful for everyone’s hospitality, and I feel a deep sense of respect from the audience. I’m truly glad I came.”
Her smile underscored the sincerity of her message.
