Documentary aims to break stereotypes

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Geng, the production team leader, says: "I told myself, I must achieve something here. I wish I could go back to China with my knowledge and make some contribution to my country. I still remember what my dream was, and it hasn't changed a lot..

Li Luodan, one of the interviewees in the documentary, talks of why she chose to come to the US.

"The college life in East China Normal University was really easy. The college is quite good and I didn't have much homework to do," Li says.

"I realized that only a few students were working hard, which was not exactly what I expected before I entered East China Normal University. They lost their passion for study. Therefore, I felt that a new place might be better for me.

"I have been living in Shanghai for 20 years and wanted to visit different places. So I chose the United States, which is full of innovation and intelligence. Man struggles upwards, I like challenges, and want to live every day differently."

For Li Siyu, the winner of the 2012 Miss Chinese New York Pageant, university life in the United States for Chinese students should not be only between the dormitory and the library.

"I think I showed my courage and confidence when I wore a bikini onstage in front of more than 2,000 people. I had the opportunity to improve myself, no matter how embarrassed and uncomfortable I was," she says in the documentary.

"I think the Miss Chinese New York Pageant accurately represents the Chinese people in the US and also Chinese culture. At the same time, they represent the traditions and mainstream of America."

For the film team, it was not an easy thing to strike a balance between studying and filmmaking, especially since they were facing graduation at the time.

"But because of our strong desire to complete the documentary and the support from each other, we made it," says Jiao Wenqian, one of the Walker Production's five core members.

As their maiden work, the documentary makers hope to break all the stereotypes against them, and they also hope it can be a bridge of communication between students and their parents in China, Jiao says. "We have received many critical comments from viewers, both good and bad, which are all helpful," Jiao says.

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