Fiona Tan's 1997 documentary 'May You Live in Interesting Times' explores Chinese-Indonesian diaspora identity

In her 1997 film 'May You Live in Interesting Times,' Fiona Tan delves into cultural identity through the lens of her Chinese-Indonesian heritage. The documentary opens with Tan interpreting her relatives' names, uncovering meanings such as 'prosperous tranquillity.' Close-ups of her siblings emphasize her biracial identity. Employing cinema verité methods, Tan connects with family members worldwide, from Hong Kong to Java. The discomfort surrounding discussions of Chineseness is evident, with one brother identifying as 'a citizen of the world.' The family's scattering followed the anti-Communist purges in Indonesia during the 1960s. Tan's exploration culminates in Shan Hou, her ancestral village, where she discovers that all villagers are kin. The film intertwines personal narratives with archival footage, illustrating how trauma affects cultural identity. It can be streamed on demand at M+, Hong Kong's contemporary visual culture museum.