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

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Song Family Village Takes a Bride

Directed by Gary Seaman, Steven Rousso-Schindler, Zhifang Song

2009 – 27'

Synopsis

Most weddings in the village still reflect traditional patterns of patrilineal descent and patrilocal residence. The bride leaves her natal home to marry into her husband’s village, where she is a stranger among his many agnates (patrilineal kin). Recent changes in the village economy have strengthened the bargaining position of women and the present marriage customs reflect this process. In this film, the bride refuses to kowtow to the groom’s relatives, reflecting her ability to defy patriarchal traditions.

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.