Melbourne Documentary Film Festival Screening - Fond Family
- Ying Chu
- Jun 11
- 1 min read
Christian Mendoza, originally from the Philippines and raised in Australia, is a proud gay man actively engaged in Perth's LGBTQ+ community. While his biological family faces challenges in fully understanding him, Christian has found supportive and affirming 'families' within the Perth community, where he thrives and feels embraced.
Film Introduction in MDFF:
Director Statement:
Found Family is a short documentary I made about the LGBTQ+ community in Western Australia. As a Chinese immigrant in Australia, I share a similar journey with Christian, the film’s subject, as we both explore questions around identity, friendship, and belonging within the community. These questions are deeply personal and meaningful to me, which is why I wanted to create this film.
Throughout the production process, I felt the inclusivity of the Perth community firsthand. Western Australia is home to so many diverse groups—whether Chinese, LGBTQ+, or others—and here, we can all find a sense of 'family.' I hope this film resonates with audiences and helps others feel a sense of recognition and belonging, too.
Screening information:
6:30 pm, Sunday, 27 July 2025, Cinema Nova – Melbourne
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