Smiling Tiger, Hidden Dragon
[2021]
Made by TengTeng HoThe personal narrative with this home documentary surrounds a raw and honest exploration of life as a Chinese diaspora grappling with the nuances of Western existence. Through two distinct storylines, I unravel my critical perspectives on both the Western world and my Chinese roots, revealing the intricate dance of discomfort and self-discovery inherent in the concept of belonging. This visual journey unfolds as a candid portrayal of my ongoing internal struggle, where the act of hiding and feeling shame about my cultural identity has long been a daily challenge. By translating these emotions into a video format, I allow myself to reclaim facets of my identity in the (dis)comfort of my own home.
At the core of this documentary lies the story of my parents' restaurant—a place I once resisted assimilating with, now transformed into a source of pride and honor. Through intimate footage and personal reflections, witness the metamorphosis of a once-ignored cultural heritage into a focal point of personal pride.