Promising young Chinese film director Lai Yuqing, known for her feature debut “Whisperings of the Moon,” has died at the age of 23. Her passing occurred in Cambodia following a mysterious fall from a three-story residence in Phnom Penh on December 30th. Yuqing, who used she/they pronouns, was being treated for critical injuries and passed away on January 2nd.
A Promising Career Cut Short
Lai Yuqing, a China-born filmmaker, writer, actor, and musician, had already made a significant impact on the independent film scene despite her youth. Her pursuit of filmmaking led her to study in North America, including New York, Los Angeles, and Toronto. She was known for her ambitious and emotionally resonant work, often marked by curiosity and tenderness.
“Whisperings of the Moon” and Other Works
Yuqing’s directorial feature debut, “Whisperings of the Moon,” is a queer love story set in Phnom Penh. The film premiered at the 30th Busan International Film Festival in September. It tells the story of a theater actor who returns home and reconnects with a former lover after her father’s death. The film was inspired by Yuqing’s own experiences with the cultural blend of Phnom Penh, which she described as evoking a sense of tragedy.
Prior to her feature, Yuqing directed several short films, including “Two Suns” and “Love Is a Book,” both released in 2024. “Love Is a Book” received a special jury mention at the Busan International Short Film Festival. She also contributed to the short film “Notes of a Crocodile,” which was selected for the Toronto International Film Festival.
Investigation and Tributes
Yuqing had moved to Cambodia last year to collaborate with friends on short dramas. The incident occurred in the early morning of December 30th. Two individuals who discovered Yuqing after her fall are cooperating with the police investigation. A former classmate expressed that she did not believe Yuqing had suicidal intentions. Her family is in Phnom Penh, working with local authorities and preparing for her funeral. They plan to make an announcement once the case is resolved.
Nimbus Films and Inwave Films, which supported some of Yuqing’s projects, released a statement honoring her talent and vision, vowing to ensure her films continue to be seen and remembered. “Days of Cinema” also paid tribute, stating that her voice, vision, and presence would live on through her body of work, noting that “a singular voice was just beginning to emerge.”
Yuqing had spoken about her inspiration for “Whisperings of the Moon” on the podcast “Fred The Festival Insider” during the 2025 Busan International Film Festival, detailing how the city’s unique cultural mix influenced the film’s narrative.