My Father's House

My Father's House

Zhao Dayong • 2011

Duration: 01:17:04
Language: English, Mandarin
Subtitles: English
Country/Region: Mainland China

The Chinese government has a tortuous relationship with religion. But for the Africans who work and trade in the Chinese harbour town of Guangzhou, religion is an important part of their life.The African community in Guangzhou - the only city in China where they are allowed to work in this way - has set up more than one church. The filmmaker concentrates on that of Daniel Michael Enyeribe, a Nigerian missionary.

AWARDS & FESTIVALS

2011 International Film Festival Rotterdam, Netherlands

DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT

Zhao Dayong

Zhao Dayong

Director

After experiencing a revelation in his native Nigeria that urges him to take the word of God to China, Pastor Daniel Michael Enyeribe joins a wave of African migrants to the booming merchant community in Guangzhou. There he establishes the Royal Victory Church, which serves as a seminary and worship centre for Guangzhou’s growing community of African traders. But after the church is raided by Chinese police enforcing strict laws on religious practice and missionary work, Pastor Daniel must seek refuge in neighbouring Hong Kong, where he guides his congregation, and the building of a sprawling new church facility, with the aid of video conferencing. Pastor Ignatius, known by the nickname “I.G.”, takes on responsibility for the daily management of the church in Pastor Daniel’s absence, struggling to support his Chinese wife and their young child.