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How Far Do Leaves Fall?, a documentary directed by Rose Kelly, co-directed/edited by Christopher C.F. Chow is part of a wider oral history project by Chinese Mental Health Association (CMHA) supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund. It presents a fascinating personal history of Chinese immigration in London, together with exploring inter-generational differences in cultural experience for members of the community, young and old.  What was it like living under the Japanese invasion?  How did it feel leaving your home and arriving in a strange country where you didn't speak the language?  

Immigrants from across China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and elsewhere left home for England, for reasons ranging from finding work and looking after family, to escaping events of the Japanese Invasion and Cultural Revolution.  In oral history interviews they discuss their experiences of life before coming to England, feelings before leaving their home and issues of culture, belonging and assimilation once here.  

And what of the younger generation of British-born Chinese (BBCs)?  How do their own values compare to their parents?  Can you truly live comfortably, embracing all elements of your heritage, whilst living in a modern British society?  The second and third generation of BBCs discuss life between these two rich and vibrant cultures and what their roots and heritage means to them.


National Portrait Gallery

• Installation displayed on Saturday 24th February
• Documentary screening on Saturday 24th February 2:00pm
• Address: St Martin's Place London WC2H OHE

• Installation displayed on Sunday 4th March
• Documentary screening on Sunday 4th March at 2:00pm
• Address: The Queen's Walk, More London, London, SE1 2AA

• Installation displayed from Wednesday 7th March to Friday 9th March
• Documentary screening on Thursday 8th March at 2:30pm, 4:00pm; and Friday 9th March at 2:30pm, 4:00pm
• Address: Gliddon Road, Barons Court, London, W14 9BL

• Installation displayed from Saturday 10th March to Saturday 17th March
• Address: 245 St. John Street, London, EC1V 4NB

• Documentary screening on Saturday 24th March at 7:00pm and 8:30pm
• Address: The Old Church, 52a Walham Grove, London, SW6 1QR

Name: Home Counties Girl

Comment: I went to go and watch this at the National Portrait Gallery. It gets a definate thumbs up from me The film made me think about my own issues with my background and culture. There were some real feel-good moments in the film when you met peole who are still keeping their traditions alive. Language seemed to be a big thing too. It's inspired me to look for local centres who teach my language. There was a great interactive bit at the end when the presenter encouraged the audience to talk to eachother about how they felt after watching the film. Thank you to the German lady who came over to me and told me about her experiences. Who says that London isn't a friendly place!

2007-03-12 11:44:29 Rated Article: