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RAI FILM Festival takes place on 27-30 March 2025. Learn more.

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From There to Here

Directed by Qi Yu Teo

2019 – 30'

Synopsis

In 1949, the author’s young grandfather migrated from An Xi, China, to Singapore. Spending almost 70 years in Singapore, he has only been back home four times. As an immigrant from China, grandfather has always been missing his homeland despite already forming a new family in Singapore. At the age of 79, he is diagnosed with stage four cancer and is left with about 6 more months to live. He faces the end of his life while still maintaining his daily life, opening his store every morning. His granddaughter’s camera captures the love her taciturn grandfather holds for An Xi by unbolting the doors of his memory leading to the “other home,” that had been slumbering until now. The film is an intimate documentary creating a portrait of grandfather through a series of anecdotes by people from different phases from his life. Tracking through grandfather’s accomplishments in Singapore, it follows him towards the end of his life as his last wish is to have his body returned home.

RAI FILM Festival 2025

The next RAI FILM Festival will take place in person from 27-30 March 2025 at the Watershed Cinema and the Arnolfini International Centre for Contemporary Arts in Bristol (UK) and online throughout the month of April 2025.