This month, audiences can screen Sisters: We Are Family on the Planet Classroom Network. This film is curated by Planet Classroom.
Written and directed by Ying Chu, Sisters: We Are Family features The Chung Wah Dance Group, an ensemble with dancers from Hong Kong, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam, South Africa, and Mauritius. Through interviews, the documentary reveals the dancers’ history, dedication, and unique motivations as they prepare for their annual performance, showcasing the power of cultural expression and community.
Ying, what inspired you to focus on The Chung Wah Dance Group for this documentary?
I first became aware of the Chung Wah Dance Group in 2020, and from the moment I contacted them, their passion and energy left a lasting impression on me. I was struck by the diversity within the group, which fueled my curiosity to understand them better. In 2022, I decided to create this documentary to tell their story, and we developed it together.
This project has become more than just a documentary; it’s been a personal journey. The bonds I’ve formed with these “sisters” have turned into something truly special. Now, we continue to support each other like family.
How did you balance the personal stories of the dancers with the dance performances themselves, especially as they prepared for their annual performance?
I believe my own experience as a performer, along with the close bond I’ve built with these sisters, played a key role in balancing their personal stories with their dance performances. We spent nearly two years together before this production, and during that time, I got to know their individual journeys on a deeper level.
As an immigrant myself, I understand the importance of belonging to one’s own culture, and this is what drives them to dedicate so much time and effort to their rehearsals. By intertwining their personal stories with footage of their practices and performances on stage, I aimed to create a film where their stories and art come together seamlessly.
What were some of the biggest challenges in capturing the cultural diversity of the group?
One of the biggest challenges was communication, as the group comes from diverse cultural backgrounds, which can sometimes lead to misunderstandings. However, what helped me overcome this challenge was the trust, patience, and support these sisters offered me throughout the process. This is why the film is titled Sisters: We Are Family – because, despite our differences, we came together like a family.
How do you hope Sisters: We Are Family will impact audiences who may not be familiar with this dance community?
Dance is a collective art form, and the only way to deliver a great performance is through shared dedication and practice. These sisters come from different backgrounds and skill levels, but they unite through their passion for dance. On stage, they give their best, and that spirit of unity and perseverance is what I hope to convey to audiences.
As I mentioned before, their passion and energy inspired me to learn more about them, and I hope audiences will feel that same connection with this story.
Thank you, Ying.
C. M. Rubin with Ying Chu
Don’t miss Sisters: We Are Family, now streaming on the Planet Classroom Network. This film is curated by Planet Classroom.
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