Heng Yue

Arms and legs pushed out in controlled movements, directing air forwards and backwards. Commanding the surrounding environments in a civil fight that borders on dance. Filmmaker Tara Darby documents Kung Fu student Heng Yue candidly, cutting between moments of action and inaction. Sipping on some warm tea, Heng details his admiration for his mother and speaks in-depth about the discipline of Kung Fu.

Kung Fu serves Heng with direction, encouraging increased self-esteem and a sense of security. Martial arts require immense concentration and discipline; finessing a move is a long study of trial and error, deciding and perfecting the intents and feelings behind each movement. Heng Yue’s name means ‘to push beyond your limits’ – and with each new teaching added to his repertoire, comes a long process of determination to conquer and master the new territory of his art.

Through Tara’s intimate lens, watch on as Heng Yue narrates his story and relationship to Kung Fu through honest words and movements. Stylist Des Lewis dresses him in loosely fitted, soft fabrics that allow him freedom as his breath and body align to produce beautiful and unique expressions of martial arts. Soft lighting. Organised wind. Damp moss. Tight trees. Listen as his feet move measuredly across the dry, fallen leaves. Listen as he aims his breath. When Heng pauses, listen as the wind resumes its journey.