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

who 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.