This film is part of Free

East Sixteen
Stylishly realised portrait of Chinese priest Peter Kao, who offers a Christian welcome to sailors from his homeland.
Overview
Where is the heart of China? Not Beijing or Hong Kong, but the Flying Angel, London E16 - at least so says young Chinese priest Peter Kao. This elegant, atmospheric short documentary, made to promote the work of the Missions to Seamen, follows Kao as he provides pastoral care to the community of Chinese seamen in London's docklands. Made with a keen eye for composition and detail, the film opens a fascinating window on a close-knit community flung far from its roots.
The Missions to Seamen was founded in 1856 by the Reverend John Ashley and has been known since 2000 as the Mission to Seafarers. Chinese seamen first came to London in the 17th century, aboard East India Company trading ships. By the 19th century, small Chinese communities could be found near the river around Shadwell, Limehouse and Poplar.
Related

Chinese characters in British film (Q&A) Chinese characters in British film (Q&A)
Inside Film 2014 3 mins
BFI Curator Dylan Cave, filmmaker/novelist Xiaolu Guo (She, a Chinese) and screenwriter Selina Lim (Painkiller) introduce the ‘Chinese Britain on Film’ collection.

China Town China Town
Magazine and Review show 1981 24 mins Location: Liverpool
One of the top TV stars of 1981: David Yip, aka the Chinese Detective, discovers the hidden history of Liverpool's Chinatown.

Nancy Kuo Nancy Kuo
Magazine and Review show 1985 9 mins Location: Camden Town
Composition is the key as Nancy Kuo guides us through the strength and grace of her art in her Camden Town studio.

Chinese Community Chinese Community
Magazine and Review show 1985 8 mins Location: Sparkbrook
Labour, Tory or Alliance - where does the political allegiance of the West Midlands Chinese community lie?

Chinese Restaurants Chinese Restaurants
Non-Fiction 1965 7 mins Location: Birmingham
From the House of Liang Nam to the Kam Ling Bamboo Rooms: the pioneers who made the long journey from Hong Kong to bring Chinese food to Birmingham.

From HK to MK From HK to MK
Short documentary 2017 10 mins
A mixed race son visits his Chinese father in Milton Keynes.

British Paramount News No. 588 British Paramount News No. 588
Non-Fiction 1936 2 mins Silent Location: Victoria Park
Defiance is in the air in this evocative newsreel footage of anti-fascist solidarity rallies, after the Battle of Cable Street

Grand Union Canal Grand Union Canal
Documentary 1938 11 mins Silent Location: Limehouse
Short film looking at life up and down the Grand Union Canal, including several scenes shot in London canals and docks.

Floating Floating
Comedy 1991 41 mins Location: Limehouse
Deliciously dark psychodrama about a Docklands bus driver who turns his family home into a second Noah's ark.

London River London River
Travelogue 1930 4 mins Silent Location: Tower Br
Follow the Thames from Westminster to Limehouse, Covent Garden to Tower Bridge.

Dr Sin Fang: The Adventure of the Torture Cage Dr Sin Fang: The Adventure of the Torture Cage
Action and Adventure 1928 30 mins Silent Location: Limehouse
An evil criminal doctor entraps and tortures a greedy trader in this only surviving episode of silent adventure serial Dr Sin Fang.

Barging through London Barging through London
1924 11 mins Location: Limehouse
Part of Wonderful London, the BFI National Archive’s programme of restored London travelogues, filmed in the capital in the 1920s.

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.

Barry Ackroyd (Masterclass) Barry Ackroyd (Masterclass)
2013 61 mins
British cinematographer of The Hurt Locker, Captain Phillips, Hillsborough and Riff Raff reviews the art of the moving image.