Tracing experience through film, migration, and memory 

Presented by the Chinese Independent Film Archive (CIFA) at Newcastle University and supported by the BFI Screen Heritage Fund awarding National Lottery funding, the tour forms part of a wider project on Hong Kong independent cinema. It showcases CIFA’s newly acquired Hong Kong film collection through a programme of fourteen screenings, each accompanied by post-screening Q&As or panel discussions. 

The programme brings together three feature-length documentaries alongside a curated selection of short films. Together, they trace a wide range of diasporic perspectives: from hope and exploration to disillusionment, separation, settlement, and self-reflection.  

Sabrina Qiong Yu, Professor of Film and Chinese Studies at Newcastle University, and Director of CIFA says:  

"These events offer a meaningful way to explore and share the rich history of Hong Kong and its people. The films examine not only the experiences of those who have left, but also of those who remain, highlighting the challenges of building relationships in unfamiliar or unwelcoming environments, as well as the ways migration can create new opportunities for self-understanding."

Marta Berto, BFI Screen Heritage Fund Manager says:

"The significance and impact of the Chinese Independent Film Archive and the work they are doing is undeniable - and we are delighted to support them in developing their collection, reaching new audiences, and engaging with local communities. Ensuring that independent films from Hong Kong find an archive home, given their precarious status, is a crucial initiative that will enrich UK film culture overall. These screenings are a rare and valuable opportunity to discover Hong Kong’s heritage safeguarded by CIFA, that might otherwise be lost."

Spanning the 1980s to more recent waves of emigration, the films move between Hong Kong, the United States, and the United Kingdom, offering reflections shaped by global capitalism, racism, and xenophobia, as well as by resilience and creativity. 

Bringing the film archive to public screening

Screenings will take place in arthouse and independent cinemas, community venues, and university campuses across Newcastle, Manchester, Edinburgh, Sheffield, Southampton, and London, reinforcing the tour’s commitment to accessibility and public engagement. 

Waving Kites is curated by CIFA, with support from the BFI Screen Heritage Fund, awarding National Lottery funding, and is presented in partnership with Re:Mind Film Festival; King’s College London; University of Sheffield; University of Southampton; Edinburgh Napier University; Manchester Metropolitan University; Garden Cinema (London); Star and Shadow Cinema (Newcastle); Filmhouse (Edinburgh); Bloc Projects (Sheffield); The Depot (Edinburgh); and Manchester Museum. 

All are welcome. Booking is required for all screenings. All Eventbrite booked screenings are free, with the exception of the Garden Cinema screening in London, which is ticketed through the venue. The tour runs until 23 May. Please visit the tour website for further information on the programme.

Newcastle screening - Flowing Stories (Jessey Tsang, 2014)

Screening and Q&A with the filmmaker (online), chaired by Dr Rena Ekrem

Date & Time: 2-4:30pm, Saturday, 23 May

Venue: Star and Shadow Cinema, Newcastle

Please book tickets here