Taiwan Docs

I became a mother when Elodie was born, and this new identity prompted me to contemplate culture, identity, and national boundaries.The film Somewhere Over the Cloud is a result of the contemplations. As Elodie grew up, once again, I began to examine how an individual connects with the outside world.

Elodie was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome. She is dysgraphia but has a talent for drawing. As a mother, I want to equip my child with the skill sets required for her to survive in the society, yet at the same time, I wonder what makes us human; wonder if I can truly understand my child’s inner needs. I see how one’s creativity is undermined little by little when she is pushed by the society to fit into a standard mold. But what is a normal person anyway? Isn’t normality just an averaged-out result of a lot of random people?

At the age of fifteen Elodie went to her father's country to begin a new phase of her life. I became a "Zoom Mom": The videos recorded during the past ten years have been a source of reflection on our lives. For more than 10 years, I had to freeze my emotions to continue walking the tightrope as a special child’s mother, and translating all these complex feelings into a documentary proved to be my outlet.

All special children are gifts from God. These words, pictures, and videos are my self-therapy and what I would like to share with the world. Let them become the most profound love and blessing for my child.