Documentary
Title: Mosuo Song Journey
Running Time: 37 min
Director, Videography & Editor: Diedie Weng
Producer: Diedie Weng, Carol Bliss
Year: 2007
Synopsis:
Surrounded by mountains, between the border of Yunnan and Sichuan Province in Southwest China, the Mosuo people have lived on the banks of Lugu Lake for over a thousand years, keeping a matrilineal tradition, in which women head the household. Within this unique background, the Mosuo have been encouraged by the state to develop tourism since the early 1990s. As a result, Mosuo society has started opening to the world and attracting increasing worldwide attention as “A Kingdom of Goddesses.” In the summer of 2004, Chinese filmmaker Diedie Weng accompanied American scholar Carol Bliss and Mosuo writer Lamu Gatusa to collect traditional Mosuo folk songs. From tourist-ridden villages to remote mountain hamlets, the film resonates with the singing of different generations of Mosuo people in a transitional period under the influence of tourism, pop culture and modern education.
You can download an uncompressed version of the trailer here.
Watch the trailer:
Commentaries:
“Mosuo Song Journey” is an impressive first effort from director Diedie Weng. Her vision encompasses the people and the place cohesively and lovingly, making the film a treat for the eyes, the ears, and the heart.”
– Michal Shapiro, Associate Director of Music Programming, Link TV
“Mosuo Song Journey” is a lyrical journey through a changing corner of ethnic China; it informs and inspires.”
–Meg Davis, author of the book “Song and Silence”
“The beauty and wisdom in “Mosuo Song Journey” are an invaluable legacy for generations to come. ”
–Diane Geng, Co-founder, Rural China Education Foundation
Screening and Distribution:
- July, 2009, The 16th International Union of Anthropological and Ethnological Sciences, Yunnan, China
- April 2009, Asian Studies Annual Conference, University of Toronto, Canada
- Feb. 2009 National Consortium for Teaching About Asia Enrichment Program, Buffalo, New York
- Nov.2008, “Modern Day China and Japan” Panel: A National Consortium for Teaching About Asia Enrichment Program, Nazareth College, Rochester, New York
- May 2008 Cultural Unplugged Film Festival (Online)
- Apr. 2008 Squeaky Wheel Screening, Buffalo, NY
- Apr. 2008 Asia Catalyst Screening, Columbia University, NYC.
- Mar. 2008 Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the Society for Ethnomusicology Annual Conference, Columbia University, NYC
- Nov.2007 Society of Visual Anthropology/American Association of Anthropology Film Festival,Washington D.C.
- Nov. 2007 Library of Congress, The American Folklife Center, Washington D.C.
- Nov. 2007 “World Music Program,” Link TV National Network, US.
- Nov.2007 4th Annual Austin Asian Film Festival. Austin, Texas.
- Spt.2007 Selection for Rural China Education Foundation “Care Package” for rural teachers
- Aug.2007 Urban Leadership Cohort, Claremont Graduate University, CA
- Jul.2007 “Cultural Studies” Graduate Course Screening, Claremont Graduate University, CA
- Jul.2007 “Intercultural Experience” Graduate Course Screening, the University of La Verne, CA
- Mar. 2007 Rural China Education Foundation Retreat, NY
About the Filmmaker:
Diedie Weng is a Chinese artist and media educator who was trained in the US and is currently based in Toronto, Canada. Diedie focuses her work on exploring how individuals and groups search for personal senses of belonging through art and community action. She has also been active in promoting community programs and facilitating media arts training for community members especially youth groups.
Diedie received her MFA in Media Arts Production in the State University of New York at Buffalo where she taught undergraduate courses in documentary production and film analysis. Her works have been presented on Link TV Network, UK Chinese Channel, at the American Society for Visual Anthropology Film Festival, in the U.S. Library of Congress along with other festivals, conferences and community centers.