72nd San Sebastián International Film Festival

Jury statement: “a remarkable debut feature that astounded us with its masterful adaptation of a complex literary text — a story revolving around the fateful meeting of lovers seeking to be free, without compromises, or regrets. A potent take on fearlessness, death, and desire, Bound in Heaven is not only accomplished in its performances and direction, but also features atmospheric cinematography, persuasive editing, and evocative sound design. From lush rural landscapes to noirish urban settings, the film sustains a memorable mixture of melancholy and psychological rawness, and a formal daring that nods to the French Nouvelle Vague, while it also speaks to Huo’s own decades of working as an accomplished screenwriter turned an exciting new director.”