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Deep Dive: Return Home (2019)

Film Lens

Return Home
The film follows a person's return to St. Paul, Alberta, where they reconnect with their grandparents and explore their family's history. The narrator reflects on their childhood experiences in the family restaurant, which has been in operation since 1960. The narrative reveals the complexities of familial love and cultural identity, as the narrator grapples with their Chinese heritage and the language barrier that created distance from their grandparents. Through conversations with their grandfather and other community members, the film captures the struggles and endurance of early Chinese immigrants. The narrator's journey is not just about reconnecting with family but also about understanding their own identity and the significance of their cultural background. This exploration leads to a newfound appreciation for their grandparents and the lessons they imparted, illustrating the importance of family ties and cultural heritage.

Why Watch

  • Meet the narrator's hardworking grandparents in St. Paul.
  • Find out how family stories shape personal identity.
  • See the impact of cultural heritage on family relationships.

Did You Know

The narrator's grandparents ran a restaurant in St. Paul since 1960.
The cafe served pie and coffee for 15 cents in the past.
The narrator worked in the family cafe since the age of seven.
The narrator struggled with the Chinese language and felt inadequate growing up.

Perfect For

Family dynamicsCultural identityChinese immigrant history