Overview

• Zhao Xiaohong presented Her Heart Beats in Its Cage in the official competition of the 73rd San Sebastián International Film Festival, directed by Qin Xiaoyu and vying for the Concha de Oro.
• The film draws on Zhao’s real imprisonment after killing her husband in what she describes as self-defense, focusing on separation from her child and efforts at repair.
• Zhao’s son, Lele, and her late husband’s mother portray themselves; Lele, now 18, greeted the audience in a prerecorded video in English.
• Qin frames the story as an appeal to recognize male violence as a universal problem, expressing hope the film prompts reflection, particularly among men.
• Zhao spoke of receiving psychological therapy during these years, noting its rarity in China, and the director said making the film eased earlier tensions within the family.