WORLD PREMIERE OF “CONFESSIONS OF A MOLE” AT IDFA
The film “Confessions of a Mole”, directed by Mo Tan and produced as a Polish-Chinese co-production, has been selected for the Envision Competition of the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) – one of the world’s most prestigious and influential events dedicated to documentary cinema. The world premiere of the film will take place during this year’s edition of the festival, held from 13 to 23 November 2025.
The Envision Competition focuses on bold and visionary works that explore new cinematic languages and push the boundaries of documentary art. The films presented in this section – both world and international premieres – stand out for their innovative form and unique perspective on reality.
“Confessions of a Mole” is a personal and subtly ironic documentary in which Mo Tan, after seven years of living in Poland, returns to her family home in China. She soon finds herself caught again in familiar family patterns that are difficult to escape. While her parents’ care is well-intentioned, it often leads to tension and misunderstandings, and her relatives keep asking about her future plans. Another source of anxiety is the small mole beneath her eye – a mark which, according to Chinese tradition, foretells misfortune. In the film, traditional beliefs collide with modern values, and the story – oscillating between tragicomedy and self-ironic melodrama – blends realistic observation with elements of stop-motion animation. With warmth and humor, Mo Tan examines family ties, relationships, and personal identity, revealing that the search for truth about oneself can both divide and unite those closest to us.
The full list of titles selected for the Envision Competition is available on the official IDFA website.