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.
On Falling - Exclusive Q&A On Falling - Exclusive Q&A
Inside Film 2025 30 mins
Writer-director Laura Carreira talks to Nia Childs about her debut feature, On Falling.
Layla - Exclusive Q&A Layla - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2025 27 mins
Writer, director and performer Amrou Al-Kadhi talks to Rico Johnson-Sinclair about their debut feature.
All We Imagine As Light - Exclusive Q&A All We Imagine As Light - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2025 28 mins
Payal Kapadia discusses her Cannes prize-winning and Bafta-nominated drama with Ashanti Omkar.
Khichdi Khichdi
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 16 mins
The interwoven stories of four best friends who reunite in the UK, thirty-five years after training together as nurses during their teens in Ferozepur, Punjab.
Dr XYZ: A Medical Drag Transthology Dr XYZ: A Medical Drag Transthology
Documentary 2023 15 mins
A satirical take on the healthcare service announcements of the 1960s and 70s.
Every Moment Counts Every Moment Counts
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 9 mins
A short animation that offers a window into the world of children’s palliative care.