MAMA'S
GOLD
The Story of Orphans of Lijiang
Part of the
China Gold Rush film series
Produced and directed by Joanne
Cheng
(2002 approx :80min)
Synopsis
Filmed in the historical town of Lijiang in southern China known as the"Venice
in the East", "Mama's Gold" tells the moving story of one woman (MAMA)
and her 300 once destitute children, ranging in age from 2 to 18 and originating
from 14 different ethnic groups, all survivors of devastating earthquake
and poverty stricken rural China. Through close observation of orphanage
daily life, the film reveals the inner journey of both Mama and the chidren
who despreatily in need of each other. Mama's Gold is a powerful tale
of loss and love from a far away land at the foothill of the Himalaya.
Heartwarming, poetic, visually striking, definitely inspiring and even educational!
Director's Statement
The stunning beauty of this southwest jewel in China and the historical richness of the dying Naxi culture themselves are worth my life time documenting them through lenses. But if it were not for its people -Hu mama and her 300 once lost children, I probably will not come back to the old town again and again. Their gentle intricate bond of love and their determination to survive and thrive have touched me so profoundly that I decided to dedicate part of my life to understand these wonderful children and to make this story come to life. I am excite to share with you this gentle but powerful tale of loss and love from China's Shangri-La.
