JUST IN TIME: BLOOD AND WATER’S SEASON 3 BEGINS JUNE 13th

Just in time to fill the void left by the abrupt end of one show with a mostly Asian cast from another network, Rogers announced the third season of Blood and Water yesterday, the only trilingual Canadian production in English, Cantonese and Mandarin that is produced in Canada. It is also a labour of love, having been brought to life during the pandemic, with the on and off shutdowns that made for an exhausting and extended filming process. After over a year in the making during the emergency lockdown in Toronto, it is finally airing June 13th on OMNI Television on Sunday evenings.

Blood and Water: Fire + Ice is an 8-episode 30 minute crime series uniquely featuring three languages, English, Cantonese, and Mandarin, with an all Asian main cast. Produced in Canada, Blood and Water: Fire+Ice is tailored to resonate with a multi-cultural audience, while keeping the authenticity of Chinese culture in the West (North America). Starring award winning Canadian actress and Fête Chinoise-loved Selena Lee, and many Chinese Canadian talents.

K BODY AND MIND: Subverting Cyberpunk

In K BODY AND MIND, you see two women on stage. They are Asian. Their hair and clothing are identical, but they are not twins. What happens when they open their mouths is probably not what you’d expect. Over the three episodes of K BODY AND MIND, you hear these two women voice a whole cast of characters, dozens of background voices, and a dog. Those two women are myself and actor Donna Soares.

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.

In My View: Resilience, Art and Migration (Asian Heritage Month)

In this lively one hour event, a panel of celebrated cultural leaders and award winning artists come together to discuss how they've navigated and succeeded in the world of performing arts. Moderator Jasmine Chen will be asking Writer/Director/Musician Romeo Candido, Choreographer/OAYSIS Studios Founder Ming-Bo Lam, and Artistic Leader/Theatre Artist Miriam Fernandes about their journeys in building their own platforms and amplifying the voices of their communities. They will share their insights and experiences in how resilience has enabled them to adapt, particularly during the pandemic, which has threatened the survival of the performing arts industry.

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

Toronto’s Yueh Tung Restaurant: Mother's Day 2021 Gift Set

Yueh Tung Restaurant released their Mother’s Day Gift Set in support of Asian owned female operated local businesses whose shops have been affected by COVID-19. For each set sold a portion of proceeds will go towards the #StopAsianHate Movement and donated to the non-profit organization, Chinese Collective Arts Association.

Mark Your CalendarFête ChinoiseApril 27, 2021Mark Your CalendarComment