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Cleaving East Pender 

by Kayla Cao, MVA 2023

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Cleaving East Pender offers an observational journey into Vancouver's diverse Chinese community. The film explores diasporic cultures, family-building, home-building and community-building in Canada. The theme of homesickness also comes through in my exploration of what it means to hold onto Chinese culture outside of China. Through moments of reflection captured in spaces like homes, grocery stores, and East Pender, the street that runs down Chinatown, it portrays the city's rich tapestry of relationships among Chinese immigrants of all ages. From the early immigration waves in the 90’s to new immigrants arrived last year, the Chinese community's complexity defies a single stereotype. The film aims to showcase the multifaceted nature and the beauty of Chinese identities, fostering empathy and understanding.

 

Running time: 31 minutes

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