When Kai (Andrew Leung) dies, his long-term partner Richard (Ben Whishaw) reaches out to his mother Junn (Chen Pei Pei). The two never met while Kai was alive and with Richard speaking only English and Junn Cambodian Chinese, communication is a challenge. Richard enlists the help of a translator (Naomi Christie) and attempts to build a connection that will help them both deal with their loss. Through all barriers, they piece together memories of a man they both loved dearly, and realize that whilst they may not share a language, they are connected in their grief.

The result is a heartbreaking story of memory and love across generations and cultures.

An impressively insightful and moving tale

Mark Adams, Screen Daily

Release Information

BAFTA Awards 2015:
Nominated: Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer British Independent Film Awards 2014:
Nominated: Best Actress
Nominated: Best Achievement in Production
Nominated: Douglas Hickox Award
Sundance Film Festival 2014:
Won: Cinematography Award, World Cinema - Dramatic
Nominated: Grand Jury Prize, World Cinema - Dramatic
GLAAD Media Awards 2015:
Won: GLAAD Media Award, Outstanding Film - Limited Release
Queer Lisboa - Festival Internacional de Cinema Queer 2015
Won: Audience Award, Feature Film
Won: Jury Prize, Best Actress

Production company/ies: Lilting Productions

Find out more

https://www.screendaily.com/features/hong-khaou-lilting/5065492.article

https://www.bfi.org.uk/news-opinion/sight-sound-magazine/reviews-recommendations/film-week-lilting

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2560102/