Filmed at the Wing Fong Farm in Ontario, this documentary follows the tilling, planting and harvesting of Asian vegetables destined for Chinese markets and restaurants. On 80 acres of land, Lau King-Fai, her son and a half-dozen migrant Mexican workers care for the plants. For Yeung Kwan, her son, the farm represents personal and financial independence. For his mother, it is an oasis of peace. For the Mexican workers, it provides jobs that help support their children back home.
Lau King-Fai left China in 1994 at the age of 65 to join her son in Newcastle, Ontario and help run his farm. The Wing Fong farm produces succulent Asian vegetables for Chinese markets and restaurants across the country. thanks in part to the similarity of the soil in Canada and China. Mexican workers, who simply cannot support their families back home, are employed to help cultivate the land. This beautiful film shows two vastly different cultures working together to make the farm a success.
Albert Ohayon
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This film by director Yung Chang (Up the Yangtze) takes a gentle look at the Wing Fong (which means “forever bountiful”) Family farm in Newcastle, Ontario. What makes this film so special is the respectful way in which it presents all its subjects, from the owner to his mother to the migrant Mexican workers who come to help harvest the crop of Asian vegetables. Even though these people are from such vastly different backgrounds, everyone works together for a common purpose.
Albert Ohayon
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directorYung Chang
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picture editorHannele Halm
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cinematographerFrançois Vincelette
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sound recordistAlain Tremblay
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sound editorDon Ayer
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original musicChris Crilly
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musicianJon GeareyTimothy Bruce HallidayDave GossageChris Crilly
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on-line technicianSylvain DesbiensDenis Pilon
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re-recordingSerge Boivin
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production co-ordinatorAlice Ngan
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title designGaspard Gaudreau
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translationAlice NganMichael LaiMargaret WongMonica ChiuMaria JimErnesto Cuba Lopez
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digital editing technicianChaz Oliver
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post-production coordinatorClaude Cardinal
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production clerkSia Koukoulas
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program administratorMarie Tonto-DonatiNickie Merulla
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producerGermaine Ying Gee Wong
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executive producerSally Bochner
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Earth to Mouth, Yung Chang, provided by the National Film Board of Canada
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