Abstract:

"Lana Jokel, the filmmaker, was born in Shanghai to a privileged family that lived an enviable life style. When the Communists came to power the family fled, ultimately to Brazil where her father became a successful industrialist. Lana eventually was educated in America, where she now lives, but her search for roots brought her back to China. This beguiling film records her first visit back to the land of her birth and the relatives she left behind. With her camera in hand she embarks on a personal odyssey to rediscover China. Lana reunites with her sole surviving Auntie, who at 90 lives in a rundown apartment that she does not want to leave since her neighbors watch out for her. Lana finds cousins she never met, some who led difficult lives under the Communists, but others who are now affluent. They show her the new China, a mingling of old traditions, such as tea tasting, with today's predilection for a western life style. We follow Lana as she visits old haunts, like the former French Club now transformed to the plush Garden Hotel. As she tours the country the viewer is given a quick history lesson of China's past by this insightful guide, infused with personal poignancy." --http://www.filmakers.com