entertainment
Vee Shi's Debut Feature 'Time and Tide' Secures International Sales Deal with Inwave Films
The acclaimed film "Time and Tide," directed by Vee Shi, has secured an international distribution agreement with Paris-based Inwave Films. This hybrid nonfiction debut, which earned recognition at the Sydney Film Festival, will now be presented to a wider global audience by the sales company.
8/20/2026, 11:16:34 AM
Vee Shi's inaugural feature film, "Time and Tide," a compelling hybrid nonfiction work, has found an international sales partner in Inwave Films, a company based in Paris. This development marks a significant step for the picture, which recently garnered an award at the Sydney Film Festival, as reported by Variety.
The film first premiered globally in the Burning Lights competitive section of Visions du Réel earlier this year, an event held in Switzerland. Its subsequent success at the Sydney Film Festival further elevated its profile. Inwave Films is poised to introduce the movie to prospective buyers, actively expanding its portfolio of documentary acquisitions with this notable addition.
"Time and Tide" delves into the intricate lives of an elderly, solitary woman and her middle-aged son, who has returned to his childhood home. Their existence is set against the backdrop of an area undergoing rapid transformation: the historic alleyways and residences of Guangzhou are being demolished to make way for contemporary urban developments. This narrative explores the profound effects of urban renewal on personal histories and familial bonds.
The distribution agreement was finalized just ahead of the Asia Film Financing Forum (AFFF) and the Hong Kong Filmart. Inwave Films expressed enthusiasm for the acquisition, describing the movie as a "gem" that powerfully illustrates the consequences of societal evolution and the complexities of human relationships within a changing environment. The company emphasized its commitment to bringing such impactful stories to an international viewership.
Vee Shi, the director, currently resides and works in Guangzhou, China. "Time and Tide" is not only her first full-length film but also represents a significant contribution to contemporary nonfiction filmmaking, blending documentary elements with creative narrative approaches. Its acquisition by Inwave Films underscores its perceived artistic merit and potential appeal across different markets.