HNIFF 2023
Miss China
Directed by Yasmine Ross · Canada · 10 min · short · narrative
After winning Miss China International, Elena receives a phone call from a television broad casting company who is willing to offer her a career as an actress in China. Overwhelmed with excitement, Elena tells her parents the news only to come in conflict with their traditional views on showbiz. Despite their disapproval, Elena tries to convince herself that going to China will help her reconnect with her Asian heritage and therefore attempts to practice her Mandarin. However, on the way to the airport she begins to doubt herself, has she made the right decision?
This film's screening window has ended.
From the director
I wrote Miss China with the inspiration behind my mother's journey as she fell into the world of pageantry and how that launched her career. After making this film, I never thought I would also follow in her footsteps and participate in Miss Chinese Vancouver 2021 Pageant.
Through creating Miss China, I found a greater universal story of mixed identity, feeling lost in your own culture, yet having a desire to connect and explore your own roots.
Miss China is a story of self-exploration and belonging and I hope others can find a sense of belonging when watching this film.
