Video Slot: Farewell Guangdong, Episode 1: Lau Yuet Seen

Posted Tuesday 04 Feb 2025

Video Slot: Farewell Guangdong, Episode 1: Lau Yuet Seen

RNZ and NZ On Air produced a seven-part series, Farewell Guangdong, inspired by the powerful and harrowing stories from Lily Lee’s publication of the same name.

Episode one, Lau Yuet Seen is directed by WIFT member Lynda Chanwai-Earle (herself a descendent of Chinese refugees).

It was September 1938 when Lau Yuet Seen received word from her husband to leave Fah Dei for Hong Kong as soon as possible. The Japanese troops were close to landing north of Hong Kong.

"I made careful preparations for the dangerous walk ahead with my two children... Me, my son Allen, and my baby Freda set off on our journey as soon as it was dark. Freda was only four. We were scared and frightened..."

Director Lynda Chanwai-Earle interviews Yuet's daughter Freda, now in her nineties. We meet Yuet's family and learn how Yuet overcame adversity and persevered to make Aotearoa her home.

Watch Episode One on Youtube

See the full 7-part series on RNZ