Colin Farrell, Fala Chen, and director Edward Berger attended the Canadian premiere of Ballad of a Small Player 《小人物之歌》 at TIFF 2025. Set in the neon-lit world of Macau’s casinos, the film follows Lord Doyle (Farrell), a washed-up gambler offered a second chance by the enigmatic Dao Ming (Chen), while pursued by a relentless investigator (Tilda Swinton). Directed by Edward Berger (All Quiet on the Western Front), the film also stars Deanie Ip and Alex Jennings.
Read MoreShu Qi 舒淇 made her North American directorial debut with the world premiere of Girl at the Toronto International Film Festival on the afternoon of September 9, warmly welcomed by an enthusiastic crowd of loyal fans. Set in Taiwan in 1988, Girl follows the story of Hsiao-lee, a quiet and withdrawn teenager living under the weight of silent sorrow. Her world begins to shift after meeting Li-li, a vibrant, carefree classmate whose friendship rekindles long-suppressed dreams.
Read MoreIn its continuing showcase of bold and nuanced storytelling, TIFF 2025 highlights a diverse range of Asian cinema that grounds the personal in the political, and the poetic in the everyday. This latest selection of films brings together a quartet of distinct directorial voices from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Hungary, and China, each examining the quiet revolutions within private lives.
Read MoreProduced by Renaissance Canadian Theatre in association with Tarragon Theatre, Bachelor Man unfolds an important historical era that resonates with the Chinese Canadian experience. As Artistic Director Andrew Moodie noted in his opening remarks, the company’s commitment to reviving overlooked works is meaningful, not only as preservation but also as a way to highlight narratives often absent from mainstream theatre. First premiered in 1987 at Theatre Passe Muraille, the play now returns to Tarragon, offering today’s audiences a rare opportunity to explore a chapter of history that many may not know.
Read MoreIn this first roundup, we look at five standout films: The Sun Rises on Us All, Palimpsest: The Story of a Name, Lucky Lu, Amoeba, and Girl, each distinct in tone and style, yet deeply connected by emotional resonance and cultural reflection. These stories span geographies and genres: from Guangzhou’s aching past to the immigrant realities of New York, from the haunting intimacy of family trauma to the rebellion of young women pushing against systemic constraint. Some films confront generational wounds or buried identities; others capture moments of quiet survival or poetic self-reinvention.
Read MoreHiro Kanagawa has spent his life navigating the spaces in between cultures, continents, and roles. From Star Trek: Discovery to the Stratford stage, the Japanese-Canadian actor and playwright has built a career on complex characters and untold histories. Now, in his Stratford debut, Kanagawa brings Forgiveness to life—not just as a writer, but as a performer reckoning with identity, legacy, and the quiet power of grace. It’s a cultural conversation and a gift across generations.
Read MoreDiscover the Ai Lian Tang Collection, featuring 26 exquisite Chinese art pieces including a rare Qianlong celadon-glazed archaistic vase inspired by Western Zhou bronzes. Showcasing imperial scholar objects like enamel ink stone warmers and jadeite censers, this Christie’s auction during Hong Kong Asian Art Week offers a unique glimpse into Qing dynasty artistry and philosophy. Preview in Beijing, Shanghai, Taipei, and Hong Kong before the live auction on October 30, 2025.
Read MoreMaking Waves Montreal 2025 returns from September 18–20 at Cinéma Cineplex Forum, showcasing six new Hong Kong films, including The Last Dance: Extended Version starring Dayo Wong and Michael Hui, Papa by Philip Yung with Sean Lau, and My First of May starring Aaron Kwok and Gigi Leung. Meet filmmakers and talent in exclusive post-screening Q&As.
Read MoreFrom 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.
Read MoreTIFF 2025 is almost here, and this year’s lineup is packed with boundary-pushing stories from across Asia and the diaspora. 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.
Read MoreAfter 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!
Read MoreThe 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.
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