In 1936, Leo Lew immigrated to America, the “land of golden mountains,” from his native southern China. He came seeking fortune but discovered instead a mission closer to his heart — passing on the deep-rooted traditions of Cantonese folk music to new generations of Chinese Americans.
Living Music For Golden Mountains traces Lew’s life in America and shows some of the many problems facing the elderly in San Francisco’s Chinatown. It also celebrates his enduring love of his native music and his commitment to sharing that love with young Chinese Americans eager to know their cultural heritage. Highlights include several of his virtuosos performances, both solo and with the Flowing Stream Ensemble, as well as a revealing teaching session that shows how he works with and motivates students.
Living Music For Golden Mountains was produced by Arthur Dong and Elizabeth Meyer, and marks Dong’s documentary directorial debut, earning the young filmmakers a 1981 Student Academy Award® nomination for best documentary.
- A director’s cut is now Available on Blu-ray: The Arthur Dong Collection (with bonus features).
DVD versions are out-of-print.
Director
Arthur Dong
Producers
Arthur Dong, Elizabeth Meyer
Screen Adaptation
Arthur Dong, Elizabeth Meyer
Based on an Idea by
Arthur Dong
Cinematographer
Elizabeth J. Meyer
Re-Recording Mixer
Bob Marty
