Browse
Director

Daphne Xu

Daphne Xu is a filmmaker whose work dwells in the quiet, atmospheric intersection of documentary realism and the ethereal nature of landscape. Drawing upon a background that bridges cultural topographies, her practice is defined by a patient, observational gaze that finds narrative resonance in the peripheries of memory and place. Through a lens that favors texture over artifice, Xu explores the subtle rhythms of human existence, allowing her subjects to reveal themselves within the expansive silence of their environments. Her filmography, which includes the critically acclaimed Letters from Pandemia and the immersive A Night of Knowing Nothing collaborator contributions, reflects a sophisticated mastery of visual storytelling. Xu has garnered significant international acclaim, with her projects gracing the selections of prestigious platforms such as the Berlin International Film Festival and Visions du Réel. Her work continues to challenge the boundaries of the cinematic form, establishing her as a distinct, contemplative voice within the contemporary art-house vanguard.

On Laurel

Films

Laurel

Built by film lovers, Laurel is a nonprofit home for festival films—connecting audiences to bold, independent storytelling while supporting the artists behind it.

Have feedback or found an issue?

We'd love to hear from you — report bugs, incorrect film data, or share ideas.

© 2026 Laurel. All rights reserved.

Cinema for those who seek it.