point of contact

DOSSIER 2006
The official online publication of the
Syracuse International Film Festival, Vol.3
A Point of Contact Production

Changes, USA
Produced and Directed by Winston Lu
8 Minutes - Documentary - Youth

Film Review by Richard Breyer

This documentary is a self-portrait of the life and times of a young man from China who migrated to New York. His given name is Sala Nu but he changes it to Winston Nu a couple weeks after he arrives when he comes upon an ad for this brand of cigarettes at a corner grocery story.

In the opening sequence, Winston introduces us to his hard working mother and lazy brother. His mother works at a restaurant and makes 3500 dumplings a day while working ten-hour shifts. His brother sits at home, watching TV, while Winston cooks and cleans.

We also meet Winston’s friends and grand parents. Their stories are similar to his they’ve come to America to get a better salary and to learn and get ahead through education.

But, Winston tells us in the final scene, he is like a strong blade of grass. Even if he didn’t come to America, he would grow, become strong and find the light.