Floating Chronicles : A Century Through Lens
Haha Britain invites you to uncover the hundred-year journey of Chinese immigrants in the UK. From 19th-century labourers who crossed oceans, to today’s vibrant Chinese communities thriving across diverse fields, this exhibition traces a rich and evolving story.
Witness the transformation from blurred figures in vintage black-and-white films to present-day East Asian voices sharing their personal narratives on screen. Together, these stories reveal the many layered experiences of Chinese immigration in Britain—exploring themes of identity, memory, and cultural heritage.
Rooted in history and brought to life through powerful imagery, we invite you to experience the story of a city that continues to bridge cultures, generations, and lives.
About Haha Britain
Haha! Britain is a collection jointly curated and edited by the British cultural charity The Mothers’ Bridge of Love (MBL) and River Cam Breeze magazine. This initiative aims to inspire the Chinese community in the UK to engage with and share diverse cultural experiences, enrich the overseas Chinese literary scene, and connect with fellow compatriots in China by reflecting on our lives abroad.
The 42 authors featured in this book employ humor and wit, using small anecdotes to illustrate broader themes. Through their unique perspectives, they offer an entertaining yet insightful take on their personal experiences and reflections on life in the UK.
Host : Dr.Biao Zeng
Experimental Psycholinguist and Cognitive Neuroscience Researcher. The Founder of the Rui’an High School UK Alumni Association.
Special Panelists
1. Dr Helena Lopes
Cardiff University lecturer in modern Chinese and global history, researching social history of the Second World War and the early post-war period in China (especially South China), imperialism(s), anti-imperialism, and decolonisation. She will draw on reliable historical sources and bring a unique perspective to retrace the journey and survival strategies of Chinese immigrants in Britain.
2. Mr. James Calderwood
BAFTA, RTS and Grierson award-winning film editor with over 20 years’ experience of making documentary, drama and current affairs films for all the major broadcasters. Mr Calderwood is at present developing a series on China’s Century of Humiliation. Through the lens of visual storytelling, he will explore how the camera can connect Eastern and Western worlds, while examining the interplay between historical context and the present day.
Bristol, a vibrant city shaped by a century of history, where light and shadow merge like brushstrokes on a canvas. Positioned between East and West, its story continues to unfold. Welcome to 'Haha Britain, Bristol' — where the echoes of the past meet the power of visual storytelling.
When: 14:00-16:00 25/10/2025
Where: 86 Bedminster Parade, Bristol BS3 4HL
Click here to register your space!