'Faded' (淡淡/ Dan Dan) tells the moving story of Tian Yu, a Chinese high school student who lives a secret love relationship with Jun Zhi (Arthur Tan / Jun Yi Tan), a boy with whom he discovered his sexual orientation.
Tian Yu, played by Soo Xu Zhe, a Chinese actor known for his participation in the films 'Do You Love Me as I Love You' (2020) and 'Dear Ex' (2018), is struggling with his sexual identity and finds himself caught between fulfilling his filial duty as an only child and the desire to be honest with himself and his mother (Seck Fook Yee).
Tian Yu's internal conflict worsens when the mother discovers her son's homosexuality, through a photograph that someone secretly sent to her cell phone, and confronts Jun Zhi about the relationship.
However, the mother does not act in a homophobic manner, as she is actually afraid of the repercussions of her son coming out of the closet.
Through his relationship with his mother, Tian Yu will have the courage to face his fears and insecurities, and finally admit to her his homosexuality, in addition to asking her for understanding about his desire to maintain the relationship with the boy he loves.
'Faded' is a small, amateur short film that intimately and emotionally addresses universal themes such as the search for authenticity, personal acceptance and coming of age.
With the message "Love is the same for all genders", it also invites us to reflect on homophobia, equality and non-discrimination.
Released on October 23, 2017 in China, the 15-minute film is written, directed, starring and produced by Arthur Tan Jun Yi Tan, who is also the performer and composer of the eponymous musical theme that serves as the soundtrack. to the short film.