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Hakka Newborn

Year: 
2025
Running Time: 
18 min
Color: 
Color
  • food
  • Hakka
  • mother tongue
  • returning youth
  • Regional Revitalization

Synopsis

Are you Hakka? What does it mean to be Hakka? Is it about bloodline? Or speaking the Hakka language?

In this film, through Xiao Dong, a young man who returned to his hometown of Shuili, and his opportunity to help his family's restaurant transform, he comes into contact with Hakka culture and discovers that he is Hakka.

Afterwards, Xiao Dong gets involved in local innovation in Shuili, where he faces issues of ethnic identity and local development. Can he overcome these challenges?

Director Statement

The film *"Hakka Newborn"* could not have been completed without the recognition and trust of its central figure, Xiao Dong. His support made the production possible. Xiao Dong is perhaps the most complex documentary subject I've ever filmed. It took tremendous effort to piece together his background and clarify the narrative threads, ultimately shaping the perspective of the film. In this documentary, Xiao Dong—who constantly filled our conversations with off-the-wall banter that couldn’t all make it into the final cut—comes across as both humorous and sincere. He’s deeply involved in local revitalization efforts in his hometown of Shuili and, as a “new generation” Hakka youth, faces both personal struggles and external challenges. These layers are vividly portrayed throughout the film. We hope viewers will laugh heartily and come away with a spark of reflection.

Festivals & Awards

2024 Shuili Film Festival- Best Narrative Award

Team

  • Director
  • Producer
  • Production
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