Looking China series: Search for the Manchus in modern China

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Looking China is a short film series made by a group of young film directors from over 20 countries. They traveled to various places across China, making films and exploring Chinese culture with the help of students from local universities.

Evan Luchkow, the director of “Search for the Manchus”. /Looking China screenshot

Filmmaker Evan Luchkow from the University of British Columbia in Canada traveled to Jilin Province in Northeast China to discover what contemporary Manchu culture looks like against the backdrop of a rapidly modernizing China. The Manchu people used to rule over all of China in the Qing Dynasty(1636-1912), but where are the Manchu people in the 21st century?

Han says that these traditions left by his ancestors are gradually dying. /Looking China screenshot

As an eagle trainer, Han Xueshan would like to pass the custom on which was left by the nomadic descendants of Nur Ha Che. Nowadays, many people raise eagles, but they only think of it as a job without understanding the deep meaning behind it. Hence, Han was worried that if nobody passes it on, then this tradition will be lost in the future.

‍Li is very proud of her Manchu heritage. /Looking China screenshot

Li Xia, an accomplished author and a master of Chinese paper cutting, started to learn paper cutting from her grandma at the age of four or five. As for her, people must also know the local culture and customs, when they do the Northeast-style paper cutting, especially the Manchu paper cutting. Therefore, Li thought she has obligation to show the public the Manchu paper cutting is deeply important.

On the surface, it might be hard to see Manchu culture. /Looking China screenshot‍

Actually, it turns out while Manchu culture may be fading after centuries of contact with Han Chinese, it also remains a powerful and persistent influence on the culture and trajectory of modern China.

Looking China is a short film series offering a glimpse of China through the lens of 20 foreign filmmakers. We will be sharing their stories in the coming days and weeks.