Watch Finding Samuel Lowe: From Harlem to China

Finding Samuel Lowe: From Harlem to China is a captivating documentary that follows Paula Williams Madison as she uncovers her family's history and documents her journey to China to find her ancestral roots. The movie was directed by Jeanette Kong and released in 2014. The story starts in Harlem, where Paula's father, Samuel Lowe, migrated to from China in the early 1900s. Samuel Lowe had seven children with his Jamaican wife, and Paula was the youngest. Though her father was a big influence in her upbringing, Paula knew little about her Chinese ancestry. After her father's death, Paula began a search to learn more about her family's heritage.

The film documents Paula's genealogy research journey as she collaborates with genealogy experts to trace her family's roots. They were able to find valuable information about Samuel Lowe's ancestry, including his parents' names and birthplaces. However, they couldn't locate any living relatives in China.

Undeterred, Paula decided to travel to China to see if she could find any traces of her father's family. She traveled with her brothers, Howard and Elrick, and together they had an adventure of a lifetime. They visited several cities in China, searching for any leads that would help them locate their family.

The film is a beautiful combination of Paula's personal journey and the history of Chinese migration to Jamaica and the United States during the early 20th century. Paula's narration is interspersed with interviews with historians and experts, providing context for the historical and social implications of identity and lineage. The movie explores how the Chinese diaspora in Jamaica and the United States has integrated with other cultures and identities, leading to families like the Lowes with unique and diverse backgrounds.

Throughout the movie, Paula's determination to learn about her past and her willingness to explore new cultures and traditions are inspiring. The film's intriguing highlight explores how her father moved to a foreign country and created a new identity while simultaneously rejecting his Chinese heritage to assimilate into Jamaican and African-American culture.

Finding Samuel Lowe: From Harlem to China is more than just a documentary about one woman's quest to understand her family's history. It's a journey that delves into the human experience, exploring themes of identity, belonging, and self-discovery. The film thought-provokingly examines the complexities of tracing family lineage and the importance of knowing who we are and where we came from.

The movie has a running time of 75 minutes, and throughout the documentary, you will see footage of Jamaica, Harlem, and various cities throughout China. The cinematography is stunning, and the various interview subjects provide a wealth of information that adds contextual importance to the film's central narrative.

In conclusion, Finding Samuel Lowe: From Harlem to China is an engaging and heartwarming documentary that is a must-see for anyone interested in genealogy, culture, history, and the human experience. The film is a testament to the power of family ties and the importance of understanding our familial and cultural backgrounds. Paula Williams Madison's story is relatable and inspiring, making the film a must-watch for anyone searching for their family history.

Finding Samuel Lowe: From Harlem to China is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.