A film that will bring to life the history of prestigious families from Minnan starts production on Jan. 23, Friday, in Beijing. The documentary will attempt to portray the achievements of the Minnan clan.
The documentary film will portray selected renowned people who are presently living in Minnan and those who already left their hometown. By including those who left, the film attempts to portray changes in the lives of people amid the changing times.
China Central Television's Wang Baochun, the filmmaker tasked to direct the documentary, stated that it is the film's aim for the viewers to have a feel of Minnan culture and entrepreneurship. He added that "the Minnan people love to compete and dare to win."
Wang further stated: "In the eyes of our production team, 'Minnan Families' is a cultural and historical legacy, as well as a good TV documentary topic."
As of the moment, there are more than 60 million Minnan people across the world. Many have roots in Southeast Asia besides those living in Fujian Province and Taiwan. Although scattered everywhere, the collective trait of being tolerant toward diversity makes the Minnan people rise from the rest of their surroundings.
In this age of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, China sees the shared Minnan spirit as a unique method of organizing Minnan people everywhere, a key factor to restore the Chinese civilization.
Lin Chengfeng is a representative of Taiwan-based Minnan clan Lin Ben Yuan Family. He said he feels very strongly toward friends he meets from the mainland, particularly the Fujian Province.
"My family moved to Taiwan in 1749, and I am the ninth generation," Lin said. "I believe the documentary will allow more viewers to understand the culture and spirit of southern Fujian."