What did you dream? is a magical film about magical thinking in an unmagical world. The film depicts three children using their night dreams to reveal lucky numbers for the Chinese lottery – an event which generates great local excitement. Part of the charm of this vignette stems from the authenticity and appeal of the child actors. The film also serves as a window into life in the townships and highlights parental absence, the unquestioned authority of the matriarch, the supportive presence of neighbours and the responsibilities of the small children in the running of the household. Although financially pinched, family life seems nonetheless rich in so many other ways.