“The fire is visible, but you cannot touch it”: Xu Zao on Light Pillar at Berlin Film Festival 2026
13 February 2026
Director and screenwriter Xu Zao, whose animated feature Light Pillar made its official debut at the Berlin Film Festival 2026, offered a fascinating look into his unique visual storytelling. Transitioning from acclaimed shorts, Xu Zao deliberately chose animation to explore complex themes, noting how the animated world within his film represents reality, contrasting with live-action as virtual life. He explained that the movie’s evocative title, Light Pillar, alludes to something “visible, but you cannot touch it”, capturing the dreamlike and elusive nature of his narrative. Inspired by personal experiences and a fusion of iconic film studios, Xu Zao has crafted a poignant exploration of loneliness, connection, and the evolving landscape of filmmaking itself.
Laura Della Corte
Light Pillar does not have a release date yet.
Read more reviews from our Berlin Film Festival coverage here.
For further information about the event, visit the Berlin Film Festival website here.
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