Holding Heritage: Unspoken Stories

Unspoken Stories showcases candid conversations between
Chinese-Vietnamese Boat People refugees and their families.

At its heart is the belief that for younger generations to carry culture forward, they must first be inspired by the stories of their own families.

By encouraging honest and intentional dialogue across generations, we invite viewers to see how embracing personal understandings of their roots can spark pride, belonging, and a deeper connection to both their identities and family histories.

Series Highlights:

  • 7 episodes of intimate family conversations
  • 16 interview guests spanning 3 generations
  • 3 languages with live English, Cantonese, and Vietnamese translation
  • 50+ stories capturing refugee journeys, childhood, and parenthood
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Meet Our Team

  • Hollie Ha - Producer

    As a second-gen Chinese Canadian, I grew up surrounded by family stories at the dinner table. In the late 1970s, my family was among the hundreds of thousands of refugee “Boat People” who fled Vietnam and had to start over. Learning and reconnecting with those stories — and how they’ve shaped who I am — inspired me to create Holding Heritage. It’s a way to bridge generations and keep those connections alive. This series is not just a project, but the heart of my own journey and a love letter to my community in Vancouver and beyond.

  • Jacky Li - Translator & Interpreter

    Jacky, a good friend of mine, was born in China and moved to Canada when he was 7. He joined this project to make sure our guests felt comfortable in both English and Cantonese, and because he cares deeply about family and connection across generations. With so much heart and cultural knowledge, he created a space where every story we facilitated could flow openly. Jacky has a special gift for bridging younger and older perspectives, and this project truly wouldn’t have been the same without him.

  • Julian Fok - Director of Photography

    Julian is a Vancouver-based videographer and personal friend whose talent and heart are behind every frame of Unspoken Stories. More than just a creative partner, he connected so well with the spirit of the project — capturing the quiet, tender moments that make these conversations so meaningful. With his thoughtful eye and calm presence, he shaped the series’ visual tone in a way that felt intimate and honest. I couldn’t have asked for a better collaborator to help bring this to life!