by FIlmInk Staff
Perth filmmaker Ying Chu’s documentary short film, The Hollow: Strings of Heritage, has been selected to screen at the 2026 Diversity in Cannes Film Festival, with virtual screenings running from 12–15 June 2026.
The documentary follows Cheryl Fu, a second-generation Chinese Australian living in Perth, as she navigates the space between her Western upbringing and Chinese cultural heritage. Through traditional Chinese music, family relationships, and personal reflection, Cheryl discovers a deeper connection to her identity and cultural roots.
At a time when Australia continues to embrace its multicultural identity, The Hollow: Strings of Heritage offers an intimate perspective on the experiences shared by many second-generation Australians — balancing family expectations, cultural traditions, and personal aspirations.
Director Ying Chu said the film explores themes that resonate across generations and communities. “Many migrant families express love through sacrifice, responsibility and expectation rather than words. Through Cheryl’s journey, I wanted to explore how cultural heritage continues to shape identity and how music can become a bridge between generations.”
The documentary highlights the role of traditional Chinese music in preserving cultural heritage while also exploring broader themes of belonging, identity, and self-discovery.
The film’s selection at Diversity in Cannes follows Ying Chu’s previous success with her short film Ah-Ma: A Tale of Two Generations, which received more than 50 international festival selections and accolades and was nominated for the Best Student Film Award at the 2024 Diversity in Cannes Short Film Showcase.
As a graduate of the Western Australian Screen & Media Academy at Edith Cowan University, Chu is committed to telling authentic stories that reflect the diversity of contemporary Australia.
The Hollow: Strings of Heritage will be available to audiences worldwide through the festival’s online screening platform from 12–15 June 2026.
