This film is part of Free

Cedar Wood & Silk
Insightful exploration of the relationship between a Jamaican mother and her British-born daughter.
Overview
Differing opinions about fashion spark a vibrant, insightful exploration of the tender relationship between a Jamaican mother and her British-born daughter. Jillian Li-Sue's film deftly weaves together flashbacks to tell mother Florence's story, from her early life in Jamaica to her move to the UK and her skill as a seamstress. Daughter Sandra - who dresses "for comfort, not comments" - resists wearing her elaborate creations, revealing the cultural and generational divide between the two women. Through astute dialogue and rich period imagery, the film explores the ways West Indian heritage is kept alive in the diaspora.
This film was made as part of the Arts Council-funded Black Arts Video Project (1988-1996). Other films in the series included Kanga and The Homecoming: A Short Film About Ajamu, which are also available on BFI Player. Director Jillian Li-Sue's other films include Ursulena's Box (1993) and Songs for Our Daughters (1996), which also explore Caribbean culture and migration to Britain.
Related

I'm British But... I'm British But...
Documentary 1989 29 mins Director: Gurinder Chadha
Britain beats to the sound of Bhangra and Bangla in Gurinder Chadha's debut film.

Motherland Motherland
Documentary 2019 3 mins
Exploring the way in which culture has a fundamental influence within the African Diaspora in London.

Two Dosas Two Dosas
Comedy 2014 16 mins Location: London
Geeky Pavan takes his 'English Rose' on a date to the most authentic Indian restaurant in the city. To his horror she goes off-menu, in Hindi...
Taarof: A Verbal Dance Taarof: A Verbal Dance
Drama 2019 16 mins
When Nazanin attends her estranged fathers funeral she is compelled into womanhood, by rebelling against the ideals of what it is to be an Iranian woman.

Sorry, My Somali Is Not Very Good Sorry, My Somali Is Not Very Good
Drama 2021 3 mins
A look into a young Somali woman who is having difficulties speaking her mother tongue.

Two Two
Documentary 2017 3 mins
Two women discuss the complexities of defining their racial identities.

Afrika Bambaataa on Afrofuturism (Q&A) Afrika Bambaataa on Afrofuturism (Q&A)
Inside Film 2014 45 mins
Afrika Bambaataa and DJ, musician and filmmaker Don Letts discuss the development of Afrofuturism and its key artists.

Alexandre Desplat (Masterclass) Alexandre Desplat (Masterclass)
Inside Film 2011 33 mins
Over 30 years and 150 projects, the composer shares, with humour and passion, the intricacies of making film music.

Ian Neil (Masterclass) Ian Neil (Masterclass)
Inside Film 2012 74 mins
Neil selected soundtracks for 127 Hours, Shame, Kick Ass, Control and many more. He discusses the job and its complexities, referencing his own work.

Screenwriters' Lecture: Peter Straughan Screenwriters' Lecture: Peter Straughan
Inside Film 2012 mins
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy's adapter reveals his quest for "the poem of the book" and the importance of simplicity: 'Drain the pond to find the fish'.

Gabriel Yared on composing for film Gabriel Yared on composing for film
Inside Film 2013 11 mins
Composer of The Lives of Others, The English Patient and Betty Blue on intimacy and experimentation.

Lois Burwell on movie makeup Lois Burwell on movie makeup
Inside Film 2013 17 mins
Lincoln, Braveheart and Magnolia make-up artist Lois Burwell explains how she created some of her most iconic looks, as part of a BAFTA Masterclass.