zhou xing
indie filmmaker
writer / director
vancouver, bc, canada
toronto, on, canada
beijing, china
chicago, il, united states
explore zhou’s magnum opus
to mare moscoviense
synopsis: set in the late 1980s in a chinese rural town, a mother and son’s relationship is defined by silence and a mutual inability to reach out to each other. on one sweltering summer afternoon, a transformative encounter with cinema sets the son on a surreal journey that leads him to a rare moment of shared empathy with his mother.
inspiration: the film is inspired by zhou's deep reflection on his own upbringing, especially his childhood and early relationships, which delves into the trials and tribulations. it’s a meditation on the passage of time and how our younger selves continue to shape who we become, exploring themes of growth, loss, and reconciliation with self.
premiere: to mare moscoviense will officially premiere in 2025, marking another significant creation in zhou xing’s independent filmography.
filmography
drama / arthouse
co-writer / director
toronto, on, canada
drama / arthouse
writer / director
hebei & beijing, china
drama / arthouse
co-writer / director / director of photography
toronto, on, canada
zhou’s next step
zhou is now preparing for his fourth short film, a thesis film at the school of the art institute of chicago.
this film is a reflection on the search for belonging through the lens of personal growth. born and raised in beijing, zhou later moved to vancouver, toronto, and now, chicago for study and life. over time, the image of his hometown has become blurred, even unfamiliar.
this is a nostalgia that lingers—an ache for a home that drifts further away with time.
the film is scheduled to be shot in the summer of 2026.
concept