Hidden in the remote, jagged mountains of China’s Hainan Island, Hong Shui village had been designated for demolition as part of the government’s relocation scheme to move all rural families into standardized concrete housing. The China Exploration and Research Society had intervened and successfully preserved some of the last adobe and thatch homes, the last vestige of their traditional heritage, from destruction.

Supported by Canon Singapore, Wildlife Asia, China Exploratory and Research Society, NTU, the late Mr. Kwek Leng Joo and Mr Mah Bow Tan, this documentary captures an ethnic Li village at the edge of transition to the modern world.

Written and directed by Tay Yu Xian, the film was screened to an international audience in Hong Kong, Singapore, China and Japan, and premiered in key venues such as the Asian Civilization Museum and the Central Public Library, Singapore.

Writer, Director: Tay Yu Xian

Executive Producer: Scott Hessels

DoP: Lee Feng Nian, Nigel Heng

Sound: Cindy Khoo