From the moment the audience steps into the Tom Patterson Theatre, they are immersed in an atmosphere thick with memory and history. The two leading actors move solemnly along a runway-like stage, drawing the audience’s gaze to a few simple yet carefully chosen props. Even before the performance begins, the stage design has already captured everyone’s attention.

TIFF 2025 is almost here, and this year’s lineup is packed with boundary-pushing stories from across Asia and the diaspora. From established auteurs like Chloé Zhao, Park Chan-wook, and Peter Ho-Sun Chan to bold new voices making their feature debuts, the selection showcases a remarkable range of vision, genre, and storytelling. To help you navigate the lineup, we’ve rounded up some of the most exciting films from Chinese and Asian filmmakers premiering at the festival, spanning historical epics, haunting dramas, offbeat comedies, and supernatural tales.

The light in Seven Terraces filters gently through antique shutters, casting patterns on blackwood furniture polished to a soft gleam. Porcelain kamchengs sit proudly on sideboards, their intricate designs hinting at stories of a bygone era. For Chris Ong, this isn’t just a hotel—it’s a living archive of Peranakan culture, a legacy he fears could fade without care. “Heritage isn’t just about things,” he says, his voice steady but reflective. “It’s about stories, traditions, people—that’s what keeps it alive.”

After a successful festival run including a screening at the Raindance Film Festival, the Hong Kong adaptation of Richard Linklater’s TAPE is set to hit UK cinemas from 22 August 2025. The film brings new cultural depth and dramatic intensity to the classic one-room thriller. Stay tuned for more screening updates, including upcoming showings in Canada!

Zoe Siu’s hands glide over vibrant ropes, twisting them into intricate forms that elevate both a humble material and an ancient craft into bold contemporary statements. From sculptural jewellery to large-scale installations, her creations breathe new life into the ancient art of Chinese knotting. Based in Hong Kong, Siu has built a reputation for transforming tradition into bold contemporary statements, connecting centuries-old craftsmanship with modern design.

The 2025 Mulan International Film Festival returns to Innis Town Hall from August 8–17. Dedicated to fostering an appreciation of pan-Chinese cinema in Canada, the 6th edition will showcase 38 films over 10 days. Spanning eras, regions, and languages, this year’s program offers a vital platform for engaging with the richness and diversity of pan-Chinese storytelling.