Master Tseng, the first woman tea master in China's history, takes us on a sensorial journey steeped in history. We travel through her delicate and timeless world as she unveils the secrets of Pu Er tea.

Interview with Director Anna-Claria Ostasenko Bogdanoff

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

During the first lockdown, I realized how crucial taste and smell were for me. Being suddenly deprived of those senses made me realize how much we, as human beings, depend on them to connect to ourselves.

That's how I worked up the courage to ask Master Tseng if I could make a movie about her. I had known her for more than ten years but was never bold enough to ask. She is a very private and impressive character, and I had the feeling she would refuse. But fortunately, she accepted joyfully!

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

Master Tseng is the first female Chinese Tea Master in China, and one of the finest noses in the world. But what struck me most about her is her ability to find absolute peace by drinking tea. Watching this movie gives you this quiet and calm inner sensation. It brings you to this place where nothing else but sensations matter. In our daily lives filled with anxiety and stress, moments of inner peace are precious.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

We all drink tea. Maybe once a day, or once a week. It's a universal experience. This movie takes this daily beverage known by everyone to another level. It shows you how personal and intense a simple sip of tea can become.

On a personal level, I have always felt that taste and smell can make you travel. For instance, I have at home an old bottle of perfume my mother used to wear. From time to time I open it, close my eyes and smell it. Suddenly I am back to my childhood, back to those delicious instants in the arms of my mother.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?

It was really difficult to write a proper script as Master Tseng is very much in the present moment. She refused to plan anything and I had no idea what to expect when we would shoot. We had a sort of structure, but had to deal with the fact that she was unpredictable. That was the beauty of it. But as soon as she was drinking tea, it was as if she was inhabited by something bigger. She did not see the camera, the crew, or the world any longer. It was just her and the tea.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

"It feels like I was drinking tea with Master Tseng. I am so relaxed " - is probably what I heard the most. I am really happy people feel that way as this movie was mostly about inner sensations for me. Conveying taste and smell through images is a real challenge, and I am glad I gave it a try. People were touched by the beauty of the image, but mostly they felt something.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

I did not expect people to be that receptive to the movie, and in that sense, I was happily surprised.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

I want to share Master Tseng's world as I think her way of perceiving reality can help us cope with ours.

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

All of the above.

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

I would like people to see how much you can feel and experience by connecting to your senses before using your mind.

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

Can you learn to taste?

What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?

I am currently writing my first feature documentary about my family history. I am also about to start shooting a short documentary about two young female skaters.

Interview: May 2023

We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela

Her Scents of Pu Er

Length: 17:05

Director: Anna-Claria Ostasenko Bogdanoff

Producer: Anna-Claria Ostasenko Bogdanoff

Writer: Anna-Claria Ostasenko Bogdanoff, François Delaroyère

About the writer, director and producer:

ANNA OSTASENKO BOGDANOFF is an award-winning film director based in Paris. After graduating from the renowned film school La Fémis in Production Design, she decided to become a director. Her graduation film My Body Given For You was shortlisted for the 44th Student Academy Awards and won a special mention at Sao Paulo International Film Festival. Her latest short documentary Her Scents of Pu Er is selected for the official selection at Hot Docs 2022 and DOC NYC. It will screen at Doc Edge, Mecal Pro and Odense Film Festival. Anna also finished a residency at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris to write and direct films about the museum. She is now writing her first documentary feature film.

Key cast: Yu Hui Tseng

Looking for: buyers, sales agents, distributors and journalists

Instagram: @annaostasenko

Website: annaostasenko.eu/her-scents-of-pu-er

Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?

Asolo Art Film Festival - 18th June 2023
Mecal Pro - June/July 2023
Odense Film Festival - August 2023