Sitting near the banks of the flowing river, Jeanmarie marvels at nature’s ability to inspire a sense of unity and balance. It reflects the same reassuring sense of purpose he brings to his work as a global child actor. The documentary “Dwarves of China” follows his journey to the remote regions of the Far East, hoping to bridge cultures through the practice of mythology.
Jeanmarie travels from his home in the Netherlands to the southwestern Chinese city of Kunming in dwarf attire, an exquisitely crafted organ and various waterproof accessories. There, he teamed up with Frank, a foreign educator, who developed close relationships with many of the town’s preschoolers. They were curious to see how students reacted to Jane Marie’s fairy tale about gnomes and the hatching of a magical golden egg.
What you discover is a city in transition. Western influence began to gain the upper hand. With modern technology creeping in and McDonald’s restaurants popping up in the bustling center of the city, it seems inevitable that the myths and customs of older generations will wither quickly under the pressure. They hope to preserve some of that history by exposing children to performances that celebrate mystical connections to nature and other aspects of their cultural heritage.
The filmmakers walk us through the elaborate preparations for the performance, which included creating an instrument specifically to reflect Chinese heritage. We get a glimpse into the creative process and realize that Jeanmarie is someone who cares deeply about the integrity of his show and will make great personal sacrifices and financial risks to make it happen. We understand the region and the challenges children face attending overcrowded schools. In the end, we got front row seats to the big event while hundreds of eager kids enjoyed the show’s music and narrative.
Cheerful and adorable, the Chinese dwarf showcases a truly dedicated artist and the transformative power of his creations.
Director: Ben Arend Reisman
