Pāragate

About This Movie

Pāragate is a poignant exploration of familial bonds and the complexities of grief, all set against the backdrop of modern technology. Jialai Wang’s journey, from the vibrancy of her life in Belgium to the somber reality of her grandmother's passing in Shanghai, feels very raw. The handheld camera work and intimate smartphone footage create a sense of immediacy and connection. There’s this haunting contrast between the everyday exchanges through screens and the starkness of absence when she arrives. The pacing may feel languid to some, but it allows the emotions to breathe, drawing you in. It’s a study on how culture, distance, and mortality intertwine, framed through a personal lens that might resonate deeply with anyone who’s navigated family dynamics across borders.

Intimate portrayal of family relationships.Explores themes of grief and distance.Unique blend of handheld and smartphone footage.