Family SERIES

1994, Total Running Time 550 Minutes (10 x 55 Minutes)

Examines the role the family plays in the life of the individual, the community and the country.  

We visit the homes of 10 families from 10 different countries around the globe, share their joys and sufferings, explore their relationships, learn about their world and discover how they survive, and thrive.

EPISODES

Ordinary People (Poland) For generations in Silesia, Poland, mining has been a way of life. But change in many forms has finally hit the region, and the Mzryk family faces disintegration and cultural disruption for the first time.

Portrait of Genesia’s Family (Brazil) In Brazil, we meet the Miranda family who are migrants from the poverty-stricken north east of the country. They are now living in the shanty settlements (favelas) of Sao Paulo. Their decision to fight for better conditions in their community has been one of necessity.

Two Sons (Korea) In Korea we meet Chae Soon Im who is married to Lee Kang Chul and has worked throughout her marriage. But getting her two sons, one of them disabled, through the harrowing university entrance exam may prove to be her greatest challenge.

Working Together (Japan) The Itoh family in Japan share their large two-storey home with an ever-changing array of foster children - a far cry from the families of traditional Japan.

Winds of Home, The (New Zealand) In New Zealand, a Maori family called the Haus are trying to survive economically in western society whilst remaining true to their indigenous cultural traditions.

Speed Bumps of Life (Canada) In Canada, after 20 years on a salary in a paper mill, Bob Chondan, lost his job. Now he and his partner, Barb have brought in members of both their extended families and formed a brewing business, bringing new energy to the declining rural economy.

In Search of a Future (India) In India, we meet the Surkheras, a noble but impoverished Hindu family hindered by their caste from adapting to modernisation.

Father and Sons (Hong Kong) In the 1990s, many Hong Kong citizens felt uncertain about their future, in the lead up to the 1997 British handover of their island back to China. The Chows, however, feel positive. This expatriate family has decided to return to its birthplace after living for 15 years in wealthy suburban Toronto in Canada.

Life in Two Days, A (Russia) In Russia, we meet the Turins, a physically disabled couple who fly in the face of all tradition and difficulties to set up a business for the disabled. An extraordinary family.

End of the Day, At the (Australia) In Australia, with land going cheap in rural areas, Jenny and Michael Coles, a bi-cultural couple, have gathered up the children from their first marriages and the children from their current marriage to move away from the city and establish a better life. For both Jenni and Michael this is their second marriage. They live with Jenni’s two children from her first marriage.

Jenni migrated to Australia from India 20 years ago and Michael is third generation Australian. Although they are from very different backgrounds they are both very much Australian. The Coles are conscious that Australia can no longer guarantee the future for its children that it once did. They have moved from the city to the country to undertake a venture which they hope will be long term and provide for their children as they grow up. The Coles have taken up the farming and distribution of water chestnuts.

But rural living presents significant challenges for this couple and their attempts to provide for their their children are thwarted. The family is under pressure and adjustments have to be made. Relationships are reassessed: there is conflict between Jenni and one of her teenage daughters; Jenni’s children address their differences with their biological father; friends and relatives offer varying degrees of support...

At the End of the Day is a moving film, revealing how this modern family lives under the pressures of contemporary Australian society.

A Co-Production betweenTVOntario Canada, TV Cultura Sao Paulo Brazil, Television New Zealand, Sovtelexport Russia, Radio Television Hong Kong, Polish Television, NHK Japan, KBS Korea, Film Australia and Consortium for Educational Communications India. © 2011 National Film and Sound Archive of Australia.