End of Summer

Summer of 1998: The World Cup and soccer fever consume the globe. Xiaoyang, a fifth grader in China, revels in the frenzy. Soccer tryouts announced in school only get him more excited. But his soccer plans may be in jeopardy. Xiaoyang’s father is the academic director of his school, and he despises his son’s wasting time on sports rather than focusing on studies. Naturally, this causes a rift between them. Added to that, Xiaoyang senses his father’s intimacy with the new English teacher. Alienated, Xiaoyang finds companionship and solace in his old neighbor, another crazy soccer fan. Watch this beautiful friendship develop into something special and transformative as they help each other tide over strained relationships and reconnect with their families. (Cinequest Festival)