The Chinese government has a tortuous relationship with religion. But for the Africans who work and trade in the Chinese harbour town of Guangzhou, religion is an important part of their life. The African community in Guangzhou – the only city in China where they are allowed to work in this way – has set up more than one church. The filmmaker concentrates on that of Daniel Michael Enyeribe, a Nigerian missionary. My Father’s House has a personal and political side that is characteristic of today’s younger generation of Chinese documentary makers. Zhao Dayong shows not only the family life of a young African preacher, his Chinese wife and their child, but also the historic police raids on the churches of Guangzhou. The filmmaker does not restrict his activities to the religious life of the Chinese Africans, but also takes a look at the successful African soccer club in Guangzhou.
