Synopsis
In one of the poorest nations on earth, the Central African Republic, native sand diver Thomas Boa and construction manager Jianmin Luan, a Chinese national, accept that struggle and risk are the price of tomorrow’s rest and reward: both are prepared to “Eat Bitter.”
The eye-opening documentary raises the age-old question of what we are prepared to sacrifice for a better tomorrow, without a promise that it will ever arrive.
Thomas, a 25-year-old local sand worker, dives into the Ubangi River day after day. He holds his breath, digs sand from the riverbed with his bare hands, then surfaces to pour the sand into a wooden boat. Among those buying sand is Luan Jianmin from Feicheng, Shandong. To provide a better life for his wife and children back home, he has been working as a construction foreman on the African continent for ten years.
Thomas and Jianmin, both at the lower-middle rungs of the construction industry, hope through their hard work to create better lives for their families. Unlike stereotypical media portrayals, this film follows the camera closely to understand these Chinese immigrants and walk alongside them into authentic African local communities.
Recognition
One of the only films to ever have been submitted to the Oscars® in the history of the Central African Republic.
Film Information
- Directors: Pascale Appora-Gnekindy, Ningyi Sun
- Producer: Mathieu Faure
- Duration: 95 minutes
- Language: Sango, Chinese, French with English subtitles
- IMDB: imdb.com/title/tt25941904
Co-presented by Roxie Theater, San Francisco.