[Photo &] 30th BIFF Screening Film 'Whispers of the Moon' Director Lai Yuqing Dies in Fall at Age 23

Chinese director, actor, and musician Lai Yuqing, who gained attention with his first feature film 〈Whispers of the Moon〉, has passed away at the young age of 23, bringing great sorrow to the film industry.

During his short life, Director Lai Yuqing showcased remarkable talent and left a distinct mark on the film industry. Born in Tianjin, China, he honed his artistic sensibilities as a director, actor, and musician while studying film and art in New York, Los Angeles, and Toronto.

Though his life was brief, his filmography was dazzling. He proved his acting skills by appearing in the short film 〈Notes of a Crocodile〉 (2024), which was invited to the Toronto International Film Festival, and left behind directorial works such as the short films 〈Two Suns〉 (2024) and 〈Love is a Book〉 (2025). Notably, his first feature film 〈Whispers of the Moon〉 was invited to the 'Window to Asian Cinema' section of the Busan International Film Festival last year, receiving critical acclaim and recognition as a next-generation master.

According to local sources, Director Lai Yuqing suffered an accidental fall at a residence in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on the evening of December 30, 2025. He was discovered shortly after the accident and urgently transported to a nearby hospital, but after suffering severe injuries, he ultimately passed away on January 2.

What is even more tragic is that his debut film 〈Whispers of the Moon〉 became his posthumous work, filmed primarily in the backdrop of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, where the accident occurred. The tragic story of the director ending his life in the city that served as the backdrop for his film resonates with film fans around the world.