Daughters Who Live a Westernised Life

生活西化的女儿 (Daughter Who Lives a Westernised Life) became a buzz term in 2023, when a Chinese news outlet used it to indirectly refer to the lesbian character from the film Everything Everywhere All at Once. Since reclaimed by queer netizens, the euphemism has flown under the radar of censorship, becoming a knowing wink to connect the community.

This irreverent programme brings together stories by and about “westernised daughters” who refuse erasure to craft their own narratives through zines, songs, and DIY filmmaking. From honest conversations to high camp and fantasy, these short films slyly subvert societal expectations, turning disobedience into an act of queer worldmaking.

harbour Growing up queer in Singapore is explored through a compilation of iPhone videos. dir. Luna Chang | Singapore | 2024 | 2min

Truth or Fish A lesbian musician seeks guidance from a clan of fish. dir. Seoyeun Park | South Korea | 2025 | 8min

My Dear Dear Home A Chinese director returns home to make a film about her relationship with her mother. dir. Yue Ran | China\, Switzerland | 2025 | 20min

As If I’m Here, As If I’m Not This experimental documentary investigates the complexities of visibility for queer communities. dir. Nile Tan | USA | 2025 | 6min

Unbound Zine: Xiaomei Going Overseas Five underground zinemakers tell their stories through interviews, drag, and all-round kitsch. dir. Funa Ye | UK | 2025 | 30min

Forever This intimate documentary explores the relationship between a woman and a fictional character. dir. Dieter Deswarte\, Riho Hayashi | Japan\, UK | 2025 | 15min