Part 3 of Marvel's Shang-Chi: 陳法拉 Fala Chen's Courage, Performance, and Dazzling Transformation

How many of us can stop ourselves at the height of our careers or pursuits, and put the work into transforming ourselves? The introspective journey of self actualization may bring many of us to a point of realization and reflection, of self-awareness and authenticity. Then it requires action and change, the hard part. Fala Chen, a name that many American and Canadian-Chinese households have watched for over a decade via Hong Kong Television, is an inspiration for her dedication to her own journey and development as a person, as an artist.

Current Affairs, Film & BooksDeborah Lau-YuSeptember 8, 2021film review, shang-chi, hong kong, fala chen, asian american, Asian representatonComment

Part 2 of Marvel's Shang-Chi: Tony Leung 梁朝偉 as Wenwu

A global icon through his many unforgettable performances in Hong Kong cinema, Tony Leung stars as Wenwu in Marvel’s Shang-Chi. Are you excited to watch his first Hollywood production? We are! Read on to reminisce the work of this highly acclaimed and decorated superstar, as well as our discussion on why his appearance in Shang-Chi holds utmost significance for so many Chinese-Canadians and North American diasporas. Two Canadians also had the privilege of acting opposite this industry giant — who were they?

Current Affairs, Film & BooksDeborah Lau-YuSeptember 1, 2021film review, shang-chi, tony leung, hong kongComment

Part 1 of Marvel's Shang-Chi: Simu Liu, Tony Leung, and the Cast of a Lifetime

It is the week of Marvel’s Shang-Chi! In theatres September 3rd. Be sure to book your tickets to support this milestone moment of representation in movie culture. Read about why our editor-in-chief, Deborah Lau-Yu, is particularly excited for and proud of fellow Canadian, Simu Liu, our country’s newly minted superhero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. We appreciate his journey, his voice and his leadership as a cultural advocate.

Current Affairs, Film & BooksDeborah Lau-YuAugust 30, 2021chinese canadian, film review, shang-chi, simu liu, Asian representatonComment

GUCCI re-imagines Qixi with Campaign Shot by Leslie Zhang in Shanghai

To celebrate Qixi Festival (the original Chinese Valentine’s Day) for 2021, Gucci has launched a unique collection named Gucci Les Pommes. We were inspired by the campaign art direction and imagery and are delighted to share and discuss all the details in their storytelling. Photographed by the incredible Leslie Zhang and directed by Zhuzi, the special dedicated campaign, named ‘How We Met’ features a group of characters including singer—member of WayV and SuperM—Lucas and supermodel Xiaowen Ju in Shanghai. The story centers around the gradual coming together of girls and boys in the iconic Chinese city.

Art and Fashion, Current AffairsDeborah Lau-YuJuly 27, 2021gucci, fashion, qixi, celebration, Branding, chinese festival, Photoshoot, leslie zhangComment

Battling Two Pandemics: the Virus and Racism

In most news reports, we hear the ICU’s mentioned and used as a focal point in the coverage of the pandemic, and some mention of emergency rooms. But one department, a key player and stakeholder in pandemic management, has been left out of the spotlight. We invited General Internal Medicine doctor, Dr. Jessica Liu, to give us an inside view on her role and her hospital’s role in crisis management this past year, and a glimpse of what she sees as an Asian-Canadian on the frontlines.

Current AffairsDeborah Lau-YuMay 25, 2021COVID-19, Anti-Racism, CultureComment

Asian Representation at the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards 2021

Canada celebrated its annual most fashionable night in, at the first virtual production of the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards gala on May 19th. Nominees, Honourees, Sponsors, and Guests all tuned in from home, work, or the backyard, to toast some of the nation’s most talented creators in the fashion industry. Several Asian artists and creatives were nominated and in some cases, took home the trophy! Because it’s Asian Heritage Month, it is even more important to highlight some of these individuals and their achievements.

Vincent Chin and a turning point in the Asian American Movement

Vincent’s name and story is one that isn’t told enough: a young Chinese man beaten to death in Detroit due to anti-Japanese sentiment in 1982, just days before his wedding. The killers apparently assumed Chin was of Japanese descent and are alleged to have used racial slurs as they attacked, as the Japanese were blamed for taking up jobs in the automotive sector at the time. He was chased down and beaten to death by Ronald Ebens and Michael Nitz, both who were never brought to justice for this cruel and racially-driven murder. They never spent a single day in jail. His murder and the outrage became a pivotal moment in the Asian American Movement.

#Stop Asian Hate: "Eyes Open - an Asian heritage month PSA 2021"

Sharing the work of fellow Canadians at the NCCAAAR in honour of Asian Heritage Month. A powerful video that we all need to watch. We are proud to join the National Coalition of Canadians Against Anti-Asian Racism (NCCAAAR) in calling on all #Canadians to recognize and stand up against all forms of #antiAsian racism in our communities. #FaceRace #StopAsianHate #AsianHeritageMonth

#Stop Asian Hate: Indifference to Love And Compassion

Outrage and disappointment that at this point in our history in North America, this is happening, and sadness for our elder generation that has already gone through so much more racial discrimination in their lifetimes, while trying to pave a better life for us. The central tenet of my grandparents’ and parents’ generation of immigrant Chinese was to provide for family, often making clear personal and material sacrifices with complete dedication to provide for the next generation. They deserve better, and outrage is simply not enough. What can we do that is actionable and that will make a difference long-term?

Identity in Uncertain Times

I think at some point, every 2nd Generation immigrant is questioned about their identity. No better example comes from the cliché, “Where do you come from?”. We are asked this from childhood and are often confused by the follow-up question, “No, where are you REALLY from?”. As we grew older, it became a complex emotional response that I, at least, almost never vocalized. This year, by some unintentional force of nature, is our moment where we embrace who we are.

Statement on Our Collective Action Against Anti-Asian Racism

This week, the Asian community in North America is in shock, as the heightened xenophobic hate crimes driven by racism and hatred has torn into our hearts. The damage these acts cause is immeasurable. Racism against any group hurts the community, causing wounds and trauma that impact the entire generation and the next. We all need to stand up, speak up, get involved, and represent our culture such that it is strengthened by our individual voices and actions.

Current Affairs, Community & People, Long ReadsFête ChinoiseMarch 20, 2021Statement, Anti-RacismComment

Awarded "Best Cultural Event" at the BizBash 2020 Event Style Awards

We are so honoured to be recently awarded "Best Cultural Event" by the authority on events in North America, BizBash! This is the 2nd Bizbash Event Style Award for Fête Chinoise, and the 6th time we have been nominated as a finalist in our categories. Our 2020 gala, Dreams Take Flight, was widely covered across different Canadian media outlets. We'll see you all at our signature event in 2022!