Berlin Selection 'Light Pillar' Unveils New Clip

Variety

by Naman Ramachandran

February 15, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Variety has exclusively revealed a new clip from *Light Pillar*, the debut feature by Chinese writer-director Xu Zao, which is screening in the Berlin Film Festival's Perspectives section. The film, acquired by Dubai-based company Cercamon for worldwide sales, tells the story of a lonely janitor at a rundown film studio who becomes entangled in a virtual romance. When a film crew arrives to shoot an alien invasion movie on the decaying backlot, the janitor decides to disappear alongside the studio itself. The genre-crossing film blends elements of romantic sci-fi and comedy, using hand-drawn animation to depict the protagonist’s mundane reality while live-action sequences bring his virtual world to life. Xu Zao explained that *Light Pillar* combines romance, science fiction, and comedy to explore themes of love and happiness that resonate with modern life. The film's unique visual approach mixes animation and live action, with the animated segments representing the protagonist’s real-life struggles and the vibrant live-action sequences showcasing his imagined virtual realm. This unconventional technique highlights the stark contrast between the janitor’s dull reality and the colorful possibilities of his fantasy world. The director, who also wrote the screenplay and created storyboards for the film, shared his inspiration: “In life, love and happiness are things we often chase but sometimes overlook. They’re already around us, but we get distracted by everything else.” *Light Pillar*Premieres in competition for the best first feature award at the Berlin Film Festival, further cementing its position as a standout debut film. The project marks another achievement for Xu Zao, whose 2023 animated short “No Changes Have Taken In Our Life” premiered at Rotterdam and won multiple awards. For readers interested in entertainment, *Light Pillar* offers a fresh take on blending genres and visual styles, making it a compelling addition to the festival circuit. The film’s exploration of virtual reality, love, and identity adds depth to its sci-fi framework, while its humor and emotional resonance make it accessible to a wide audience. With its unique storytelling approach and critical acclaim, *Light Pillar* is poised to generate buzz among both critics and audiences alike.

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Originally published on Variety on 2/15/2026