My Mama's Mahjong

In November 2020, The Mahjong Line sought to profit from the traditional game of Mahjong by selling sets that stripped the tiles of their Chinese markings. Through the stories of a Chinese immigrant, this film demonstrates the significance of Mahjong to the Chinese diaspora. Its title is in direct response to the company's slogan, "Not Your Mama's Mahjong."

  • Curtis Huang
    Director
  • Mariel Dela Cruz
    Director
  • Curtis Huang
    Producer
  • Mariel Dela Cruz
    Producer
  • Kevin MacLeod
    Music
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short, Student
  • Runtime:
    8 minutes 4 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 16, 2021
  • Production Budget:
    100 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Canada
  • Country of Filming:
    Canada
  • Language:
    English, Yue Chinese (Cantonese)
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - The University of British Columbia
Director Biography - Curtis Huang, Mariel Dela Cruz

Curtis Huang is a second generation Chinese Canadian born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia. Mariel Dela Cruz is a first generation Filipino Canadian who immigrated from the Philippines as a child. The two became interested in Asian Canadian filmmaking after taking a ACAM 350: Asian Canadian Community-based Media, taught by Alejandro Yoshizawa at The University of British Columbia.

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Director Statement

Being the first person in my family born outside of China means that in many ways my family and I do not speak the same language. Growing up, playing Mahjong was one of the few ways I could connect with them. The game holds a special place in my heart and in the hearts of Chinese diasporas across the globe. The erasure of Chinese culture from Mahjong threatens our sense of belonging and devalues our experiences of connecting with our heritage and our loved ones through the game. - Curtis