CHINESE RESTAURANTS: ON THE ISLANDS

Director(s): Cheuk Kwan
Country: Canada
Year: 2004
Language: French / English with English subtitles
Length: 78 minutes
Website: www.tissa.com

Program:
1 April - 15.15 hours - Rialto Amsterdam

The second film in Cheuk Kwan’s “Chinese Restaurants” project, in which the Chinese-Canadian documentary filmmaker explores the Chinese diaspora illustrated by family-run Chinese restaurants around the globe. Previously, Kwan visited Madagascar, Norway, and Canada, now he tours three tropical islands.

On Mauritius, Chez Manuel is operated by married couple Collette and Manuel, members of the island’s conservative Hakka Chinese community. Chez Manuel serves up a fusion of Hakka, Creole and Indian flavors.

Maurice Soong went from rags to riches and is now the proud owner of the Trinidad’s Great Wall Restaurant, where tradition is revered in the menu.

In Cuba, Kwan visits a home for Chinese seniors in Havana where Alejandro Chiu operates a Chinese restaurant on the side.