TIFF 2021 Asian Heritage Month Programming: Asia Unbound

In honour of Asian Heritage Month in May, TIFF will be highlighting excellence in Asian cinema. The month-long programme, Asia Unbound, focuses on youthful narratives that transcend borders, generations, memories, and identities. Films and digital events throughout the month feature well-known talent from the diaspora, emerging artists, and also renowned auteurs from the Asian continent. Through storytelling that is authentic, touching, humorous, and powerful, Asia Unbound intends to explore — and find inspiration in — the joys, fears, vulnerability, and in-betweenness that underscore Asian identity in today’s world.

Mark Your CalendarFête ChinoiseMay 5, 2021Film, Entertainment, TIFFComment

"Double Happiness": How the Discovery of a Head Tax Certificate Unlocked Two Families’ Stories

Chinatowns across North America are fighting for their survival. Long before the pandemic hit, Vancouver’s Chinatown was desperately trying to stave off gentrification. It seemed like there was no end to the condo developments and hipster bars that were slowly pushing longtime residents out, and erasing the rich cultural history of the area. When singer songwriters Robyn Jacob and Nancy Tam created Double Happiness: Detour This Way, a live music and theatre show that retraces the legacy of the Chinese diaspora in Vancouver, it only made sense to premiere it in the heart of Chinatown. But too quickly, the pandemic ordered the show to close early, and along with it, all of Chinatown’s businesses. It was a devastating blow.

Personal Stories, Community & PeopleFête ChinoiseApril 14, 2021Entertainment, ArtComment

The 3 Essential Films by Wong Kar-wai on Language and (Mis)Communication [This article may contain spoilers]

In almost a full year devoid of going to the cinema and in times when we feel disconnected with the outside world, Carson Chow has been thinking about Wong Kar-wai’s films more than ever. Here is his pick for Wong Kar-wai’s 3 most essential films on language and (mis)communication. These three films depict the modern issue of lack of human connection and communication, it reaches through generations and histories and across harbours and cinematic traditions to better elucidate the here and especially the now. In times like now, there’s nothing that makes more sense than to watch or think about Wong Kar-wai’s films.

Fête ChinoiseApril 8, 2021Film, EntertainmentComment

A Role Within A Role – Exploring Anna May Wong Through Photography

Anna May Wong was born in Los Angeles in 1905 to second-generation immigrants and has quite an inspirational story. May found herself excluded from Chinese theatre, given her "Americanness" and similarly, Americans found her too Chinese for specific roles. May was no stranger to that universal feeling that many diasporas must confront – being stuck between multiple identities. Yinsey Wang explores her legacy through her primary art medium, self-portraiture photography, to feel connected with the diaspora experience in this unique way.

Art and FashionFête ChinoiseApril 7, 2021Entertainment, film, art, film reviewComment

A Cultural Children’s Book Becomes New York Times Best Seller: Joanna Ho’s “Eyes that Kiss in the Corners”

In this pivotal moment for change in the North American Asian community, it is a children's picture book written by Joanna Ho, Eyes that Kiss in the Corners, that has been an exceptional source for hope and positivity for readers of all ages. After reading the book meant for children, an Asian adult might share the collective revelation that the lack of self-love and quiet self-doubt linked to our physical features has been the result of racism. But these features should be recast as precious traits our ancestors gifted us, not to be ashamed of, and something to be proud of and to embrace like the little girl in the book.

Long Reads, Personal StoriesFête ChinoiseMarch 22, 2021Entertainment, Book ReviewComment

A Signature Style Called ‘Chinatown Pretty’

Authors Valerie Luu & Andria Lo of Chinatown Pretty walked us through their journey chasing after pòh pohs (grandmas) and gùng gungs (grandpas) that have pretty shoes or standout hats that fill the Chinatown streets across North America. In today's unfortunate climax of anti-Asian hate crimes, the book's significance has undoubtedly shifted and increased, especially in the last several weeks – where many cases were unprovoked, and victims were vulnerable elderly Asians.

Art and Fashion, Long ReadsFête ChinoiseMarch 11, 2021Fashion, Entertainment, Book ReviewComment

The Realities of Bling Empire

Bling Empire is perfect for those looking for escapist entertainment. The show turned up the drama by cuing the cattiest rivalries, hookups and throwdowns. But is it really the Asian narrative that we want in North America? Amidst the hate crime, anti-Asian racism and xenophobia propelled by Covid-19, was the timing right? What is the purpose of the show? Read here for our thoughts!

Fête ChinoiseMarch 5, 2021Fashion, Film, EntertainmentComment

5 Things I Learned in the Entertainment Industry

Today Eugene Tang shares his experiences in hopes of helping more Canadians understand the Chinese-speaking entertainment industry and also provide tips on pursuing a career there.