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Where the Leaves Fall

Name: Where the Leaves Fall
Director: Xin Alessandro Zheng
Released: 2020
Duration: 16 min

Representation Score

6.0/10

Good

2020

Director

Xin Alessandro Zheng

Runtime

16 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Where the Leaves Fall is a thoughtful examination of the diaspora that successfully explores diverse identities. By centering a mixed-race protagonist navigating two distinct cultures, the film challenges simple views of ethnicity. Its strength lies in bridging the gap between European modernity and traditional Chinese heritage. It goes beyond including someone from a minority group without giving them real depth to delve into the intricacies of hyphenated identities through a deeply personal lens. However, the film’s focus on male lineage limits its gender diversity. Additionally, it lacks explicit LGBTQ+ or disability representation, making its inclusivity more specialized rather than broad.

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Category Breakdown

Does Where the Leaves Fall have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film doesn't show any same-sex relationships or characters with non-cisgender identities. While it touches on non-traditional lifestyles, there are no clear LGBTQ+ storylines for the characters.

How does Where the Leaves Fall portray gender?

Fair

The story focuses on a male-dominated family line, featuring a father, son, and grandfather. Although the main character shows emotional depth, the narrative doesn’t highlight strong roles for women.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Where the Leaves Fall?

Excellent

The film stands out by focusing on a second-generation Italian-Chinese protagonist. This approach breaks down the typical Western-Eastern divide and offers a rich, personal look at the mixed-race experience.

How does Where the Leaves Fall represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The story highlights a non-Western setting, exploring the clash between modern European life and traditional Chinese customs. It emphasizes connections to ancestors over Western social norms.

Does Where the Leaves Fall include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any characters dealing with physical disabilities, neurodivergence, or mental health issues.

Present on Screen

Rich exploration of mixed-race identities.
Effective challenge to traditional cultural divides.
Personal focus on the complexities of the diaspora.

Limited or Absent

Limited roles for women in the main storyline.
No explicit LGBTQ+ representation.
No characters dealing with disabilities or neurodivergence.

Official Synopsis

Giacomo, a second-generation Italian-Chinese youngman, travels to Wencheng County to bring his late father’s ashes back to his hometown. There he stays at his grandfather’s house. The old man becomes Giacomo’s guide through the forgotten paths of his native culture, which now looks so distant from the daily life of a European twenty-something.

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