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C’est la vie！ — Investment & Collaboration Prospectus
Based on a True Story
Short Film / Drama / Chinese Canadian Social Realism
Theme: An individual's awakening and resistance against systemic injustice, exploring
immigration, labor rights, and the duality of human nature.
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About the Project
Title: C’est la vie！
Duration: 15–18 minutes (short film)
Location: Toronto, Canada
Style: Realism + Dramatic Conflict (inspired by Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, Do the Right Thing, Joker)
Cinematography: Natural light, extensive Steadicam long takes, climactic one-shot sequence
Production Schedule: Shooting in October 2025, wrap by December 2025, post-production completed by February 2026
Total Budget: CAD $60,000
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Story Synopsis
Based on a true story, C’est la vie portrays the journey of a young Chinese immigrant woman in Canada who, after enduring over a year of unpaid wages and systemic inaction, finds the courage to rise up. Her story exposes the harsh realities of labor exploitation, systemic injustice, and the resilience of those at society’s margins. Through striking realism, the film offers a powerful voice for immigrant workers and women who dare to resist silence.
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Director’s Biography
Zhiyi Zhao has seven years of experience working on film crews in China and three years directing commercial and YouTube content in Canada. Her diverse background informs her storytelling, blending practical expertise with creative vision. C’est la vie is her latest short film project, reflecting her commitment to authentic, socially relevant narratives.
C’est la vie – Simplified Production Budget Overview
Visual and Cinematic References
for C’est la vie!
C’est la vie! blends Eastern minimalism with Western emotional realism. Inspired by the films of Hou Hsiao-hsien, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, and Joker, the film uses long static shots, natural lighting, and a muted color palette to reflect the protagonist’s isolation and inner struggle.
The story unfolds through quiet observation and patient pacing. Space and silence play a vital role, with characters often framed at a distance to emphasize emotional detachment and social invisibility.
Key moments—such as the protest climax—will be captured in one continuous Steadicam shot, immersing the audience in the tension and urgency of collective resistance.
The overall visual language is raw, restrained, and deeply human.
