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Chinese Britain on Film
Chart the representation of Britain's Chinese communities in film, from exotic Other to more authentic self-portraits, in a collection of rare, strange, witty and touching films.
Explore the history of Chinese representation in British cinema over two contrasting collections. Tales of Old Chinatown includes films from the 1900s to the 1930s, an era coinciding with a 'yellow peril' moral panic in the press and pulp literature. Shaped by Britain's colonial conflicts, these films act out western anxieties of a nefarious Chinese 'Other' - usually with white actors in Chinese roles. The 1900 Boxer Rebellion inspired the earliest films here, but the dominant Chinese figure of the age was fictional: the evil oriental mastermind represented here by Dr Sin Fang - a barely-disguised version of Sax Rohmer's sinister creation Dr Fu-Manchu. Slightly more sympathetic portrayals came later, notably in Piccadilly (1929) and other films with Chinese-American star Anna May Wong, though their protagonists invariably met tragic ends. The films in Chinese Voices mark the emergence of first-hand accounts of British-Chinese life. Slowly waking up to an increasingly multicultural nation in the 1960s and 70s, British TV featured occasional reports from Chinese communities. But it wasn't until the 1980s that British-Chinese writers and directors began to film their own stories, using comedy, drama or documentary. Warm, tough, funny and poignant, these films at last give more authentic voice to the British-Chinese experience.
From HK to MKFrom HK to MK
Short documentary 2017 10 mins
A mixed race son visits his Chinese father in Milton Keynes.
Chinese characters in British film (Q&A)Chinese characters in British film (Q&A)
Inside Film 2014 3 mins
BFI Curator Dylan Cave, filmmaker/novelist Xiaolu Guo (She, a Chinese) and screenwriter Selina Lim (Painkiller) introduce the ‘Chinese Britain on Film’ collection.
China TownChina Town
Magazine and Review show 1981 24 mins Location: Liverpool
One of the top TV stars of 1981: David Yip, aka the Chinese Detective, discovers the hidden history of Liverpool's Chinatown.
Nancy KuoNancy Kuo
Magazine and Review show 1985 9 mins Location: Camden Town
Composition is the key as Nancy Kuo guides us through the strength and grace of her art in her Camden Town studio.
East SixteenEast Sixteen
Documentary 1959 10 mins Location: Limehouse
Stylishly realised portrait of Chinese priest Peter Kao, who offers a Christian welcome to sailors from his homeland.
Chinese CommunityChinese Community
Magazine and Review show 1985 8 mins Location: Sparkbrook
Labour, Tory or Alliance - where does the political allegiance of the West Midlands Chinese community lie?
Chinese RestaurantsChinese Restaurants
Non-Fiction 1965 7 mins Location: Birmingham
From the House of Liang Nam to the Kam Ling Bamboo Rooms: the pioneers who made the long journey from Hong Kong to bring Chinese food to Birmingham.
21 Days in China - a British teacher's impressions21 Days in China - a British teacher's impressions
Non-Fiction 1972 6 mins Location: Shanghai
"Education must be combined with productive labour", so says a Chinese slogan. Western cameras are special guests to capture 70s school days - eastern style!
Chinese New YearChinese New Year
Non-Fiction 1981 1 mins Location: Birmingham
The reigning Miss Chinatown joins the traditional celebrations to mark the year of the Cockerel on a chilly February day in Birmingham.
RedRed
Drama 1995 26 mins Location: Kilburn
Beautiful, bittersweet tale of love, longing and Elvis. Xiao Mei leaves China for marriage in Britain. But her true desire is to find her family.
The Woman from ChinaThe Woman from China
Action and Adventure 1931 76 minsSilent
A young woman is persuaded to help a Chinese businessman to kidnap a naval officer in this fun and outrageous British thriller.
Year of the OxYear of the Ox
Documentary 1997 6 mins Location: Soho
Impressions of London's Chinatown during the Chinese new year celebrations for the Year of the Ox.
Eng Family and ChildrenEng Family and Children
Amateur film 1930 14 minsSilent Location: Wembley
Enjoy fun in the garden, a picnic and a trip to the beach with the Eng brothers in this amateur film
Eng Family Home MoviesEng Family Home Movies
Amateur film 1930 20 minsSilent
Extra scenes from the Eng family's home movies, including trips to Germany and China
Chameleon SohoChameleon Soho
Travelogue 1979 28 mins Location: Westminster
The heart of London has always followed the beat of a different drum - a day in the life of late-70s Soho
Chinese Restaurants in PlymouthChinese Restaurants in Plymouth
Current affairs 1966 5 mins Location: Plymouth
A visit to Chinese restaurants in Plymouth and a chance to get to know the staff.
Chinese RestaurantsChinese Restaurants
Non-Fiction 1967 2 mins Location: Birmingham
Will a dispute between China and Britain over Hong Kong harm sales in Birmingham's busy Chinese restaurants?
The First Chinese Shop in PlymouthThe First Chinese Shop in Plymouth
Current affairs 1968 4 mins Location: Plymouth
Andy Price is going global with his ingredients from this new Chinese shop in Plymouth.
Jacqui ChanJacqui Chan
Magazine and Review show 1982 9 mins
Pioneering Chinese feminist and revolutionary Qiu Jin is remembered through mime and dance by the British performer Jacqui Chan.
Chinese in Wartime BritainChinese in Wartime Britain
Government sponsored film 1944 10 mins Location: London
A documentary about the benefits and influences of Chinese immigration on Britain’s home front.
Explore further
Tales of Old Chinatown
Chinatown is as much an idea as a place. In the early 20th century British films imagined their own Chinatown, defined by mystery, fear and the exotic.
More Chinese Britain on Film in our Rentals collection.