China Daily Toronto

08/07/2023

The “Art at heart” Chu Tat Shing art exhibition, jointly presented by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Toronto (HKETO), was held on August 3 in Toronto. The exhibition showcases the artworks created by Hong Kong illustrious sculptor Chu Tat Shing, a highly respected artist who has left an indelible imprint on the world of art through his sculptures of iconic figures such as Sun Yat-sen, Bruce Lee, and many more.

This exhibition is the debut event of the 2023 Hong Kong Week themed “Hello Hong Kong”, organised by the HKETO, to feature Hong Kong’s new strength, promising economic prospects and fresh cultural vision. Other activities of the 2023 Hong Kong Week include musical drama performances and a national business conference to be held in different Canadian cities.

04/21/2023

Excellent Chinese Canadian entrepreneurs awarded

The Association of Chinese Canadian Entrepreneurs (ACCE), along with title sponsor Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) honored outstanding Chinese-Canadian entrepreneurs from across Canada on April 15 in Toronto.

Paula Cruickshank, Senior Vice President – Ontario of BDC mentioned “Our partnership with ACCE is an opportunity to recognize the contribution of Chinese Canadian entrepreneurs to the prosperity of our country,” said Cruickshank. “For 29 years, ACCE has encouraged entrepreneurship and promoted the value of exploring new opportunities and creating solid business ventures.”

Among the winners from nine award categories, Eva Lee Kwok, Chairpersonand CEO of Amara Holdings Inc is the recipient of the 2023ACCE Lifetime Achievement Award.

Around 1000 guests gathered at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre to celebrate the 26th Chinese Canadian Entrepreneur Awards. Those in attendance included successful entrepreneurs, business and community leaders, government officials, as well as members of associations and professional groups from both the Chinese community and the community at large.

Sinai Health Foundation and Nonnina’s Table received donation cheques from ACCE as a part of the Association’s tradition of giving back to community. Meanwhile, seven local college and university students were selected as this year’s recipients of the ACCE Scholarship, sponsored by Living Water Resorts.

01/14/2023

“2023 Happy Spring Festival Chinese Opera Gala” is to be held on Jan 29 in Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts.
Chinese Opera, which is a valuable part of Chinese culture, is considered to be a unique and highest example of an entire theater that requires the most profound refinement of skills in singing, acting, characterization, movement, dance and acrobatics.
According to Zhang Yangyan, the president of the Canada Chinese Opera Arts Centre, they hope to introduce the Chinese traditional art to the younger generation in Canada so that Canadian born Chinese descendants have a chance to touch and recognize their own culture.
By celebrating the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year of Rabbit that falls on Jan 22, the Chinese opera show will feature Peking opera and Chinese local operas including Yu opera, Shaoxing opera and Cantonese opera.

11/29/2022

Commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Chinese Exclusion Act

Beginning in the 18th century, Chinese workers had been crossing the ocean to Canada to work in menial jobs, to build the railroad and to earn their livelihood in a harsh environment. They faced humiliation, discrimination and oppression. The governments of the day imposed penalties on them - a Head tax of $50, then raised to the princely sum of $500. By 1923, the Federal government passed a legislation which halted all Chinese immigration, even for family reunions and other legitimate reasons. This legislation was not repealed until 1947 when Returning WWII Veterans protested. Chinese nationals were finally granted their citizenship years later.
Next year will be the 100th anniversary of the Chinese Exclusion Act. Most Head Tax payers are gone but their descendants still remember the injustice and the humiliation imposed on their forefathers. At this major demarcation, many Chinese organizations have joined hands in commemoration.
Honourary Chair Nancy M. Siew and the Tribute to Early Chinese Immigrants team members, as well as the program participants announced their proposed events on Nov 26 in Markham. The events include East Meets West Concert and World Premier “Railroad”, Asian Heritage Month Concert, Looking in From the Outside, Markham Museum’s Rotating Exhibition, Vision Health and Early Immigrants and so on.

11/28/2022

CPAC, the former Chinese Professionals Association of Canada, now developed to a multi-dimensional organization that has focused on human rights, equity, diversity, inclusion, anti-racism and other issues important to Asian Canadians, celebrated its 30th anniversary on November 27 in Richmond Hill. With the theme of “Achieve and Aspire,” the event aimed to raise awareness of and combat anti-Asian racism and advance racial equity, diversity and inclusion. Three recipients were presented with CPAC Professional Achievement Award and Young Achiever’s Award during the event. These awards highlight the professional and community contributions of outstanding individuals and provide role models for members of the immigrant community.

09/26/2022

09/20/2021

Toronto International Film Festival wrapped with the awarding of the People’s Choice prizes

The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has announced its award recipients for the 46th edition of the Festival, which concluded on September 18th with screenings of Zhang Yimou’s One Second.

For the 44th year, the People’s Choice Awards distinguish the audience’s top title at the Festival as voted by the viewing public.

The TIFF 2021 People’s Choice Award winner is: Belfast, dir. Kenneth Branagh. The first runner-up is Scarborough, dirs. Shasha Nakhai and Rich Williamson. The second runner-up is The Power of the Dog, dir. Jane Campion.

The TIFF 2021 People’s Choice Documentary Award winner is The Rescue, dirs. E. Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin. The first runner-up is Dionne Warwick: Don’t Make Me Over, dirs. Dave Wooley and David Heilbroner. The second runner-up is Flee, dir. Jonas Poher Rasmussen.

The TIFF 2021 People’s Choice Midnight Madness Award winner is Titane, dir. Julia Ducournau. The first runner-up is You Are Not My Mother, dir. Kate Dolan. The second runner-up is DASHCAM, dir. Rob Savage.

“2021 brought an exceptional selection of films that excited Festival audiences around the world,” said Joana Vicente and Cameron Bailey, TIFF Co-Heads. “Our lineup showcased beloved auteurs alongside fresh voices in filmmaking, including numerous women powerhouses. TIFF welcomed guest press, industry, international stars, and directors back to the city and into cinemas. The sweeping range in cinematic storytelling from around the world is a testament to the uniqueness of the films that are being made. We’re so grateful and proud of this year’s Festival.”

TIFF’s Industry platform welcomed close to 4,000 industry and press professionals from around the world, both digitally and in-person. TIFF remains a site of industry activity and a key marketplace for film title sales, hosting 105 market screenings and facilitating the sales of France, Silent Night, A Banquet, and Huda’s Salon, as well as Industry Selects title The Pink Cloud.

TIFF’s Industry Conference presented 37 digital sessions for industry and press delegates from filmmakers to advocates and funders. The Dialogues stream featured conversations with creators E. Chai Vasarhelyi, Jimmy Chin, Sterlin Harjo, Krysty Wilson-Cairns, and Rebeca Huntt; Visionaries welcomed Apichatpong Weerasethakul, Sahraa Karimi, Greig Fraser, Nancy Utley, and Steve Gilula; Perspectives explored narrative sovereignty with Indigenous industry leaders and hosted a discussion on dismantling toxic industry culture; and Connections highlighted conversations on funding diverse films with ARRAY and talent to watch with Telefilm. TIFF also welcomed 20 new Filmmaker Lab participants, and eight new Rising Stars, who participated in intimate development labs with programme governors and special guest speakers.

07/21/2021

Stephen Chbosky’s Dear Evan Hansen, based on the award-winning Broadway phenomenon, will open the Toronto International Film Festival on Thursday, September 9. Zhang Yimou’s One Second will be the Closing Night film.
Directed by Stephen Chbosky, Dear Evan Hansen is the story of a high-school senior with a debilitating anxiety disorder whose private letter to himself as part of a therapy exercise lands in the hands of a fellow classmate, with tragic consequences. The incident propels Evan on a journey of self-discovery that leads him toward belonging and acceptance, not only among the people who love him, but also by Evan himself. Starring Tony winner Ben Platt as Evan, along with Amy Adams, Julianne Moore, Kaitlyn Dever, Amandla Stenberg, and Nik Dodani, Dear Evan Hansen features songs from the original Broadway sensation.
The Closing Night Gala of TIFF 2021, One Second, is the newest offering from the acclaimed Chinese director of Raise the Red Lantern and Hero, Zhang Yimou. The film tells the story of a travelling film projectionist and an escaped prisoner connected through cinema. One Second is a love letter to movies and a reminder of how they can unite people, regardless of our differences. “Every September we invite the whole film world to Toronto, one of the most diverse, movie-mad cities in the world,” said Bailey. “And to have Zhang Yimou’s film here, now, is a true joy.”

06/23/2021

The 46th Edition of the Toronto International Film Festival will take place September 9–18, 2021

On September 9, 2021, the Toronto International Film Festival® (TIFF) will kick off 10 days of exceptional international and Canadian cinema with over 100 films in its Official Selection, unparalleled events featuring acclaimed industry guests, and TIFF’s Industry Conference. Recognized as the world’s largest public film festival, TIFF is poised to bring the theatrical experience back to life and continue its reputation as both a leader in amplifying under-represented cinematic voices and a bellwether for programming award-winning films from around the globe.

TIFF is excited to announce the following twelve films as a sampling of what is to come in the Festival’s Official Selection for 2021: Le Bal des Folles directed by Mélanie Laurent (France) from Amazon Studios, Benediction, directed by Terence Davies (United Kingdom) from Bankside Films, Belfast, from director Kenneth Branagh (United Kingdom) from Focus Features, Charlotte, directed by Eric Warin and Tahir Rana (Canada/Belgium/France) from Elevation Pictures and MK2 Mile End, Dionne Warwick: Don't Make Me Over, directed by Dave Wooley, David Heilbroner (USA), The Guilty by director Antoine Fuqua (USA) from Netflix, HBO's Jagged, documentary on iconic Canadian singer-songwriter Alanis Morissette, directed by Alison Klayman (USA), Lakewood, directed by Philip Noyce (Canada), Last Night in Soho, directed by Edgar Wright (United Kingdom) from Focus Features, Night Raiders, directed by Danis Goulet (Canada/New Zealand) from Elevation Pictures and Samuel Goldwyn Films, Petite Maman, directed by Céline Sciamma (France) from Elevation Pictures and NEON and The Starling by director Theodore Melfi (USA) from Netflix. The Festival’s Gala and Special Presentations presented by Visa, will be announced on July 20. Films selected for TIFF’s programmes — Contemporary World Cinema presented by Sun Life, Discovery, TIFF Docs presented by A&E Indie Films, Midnight Madness, Primetime, and Wavelengths — will be announced July 28. TIFF Short Cuts and the Platform Programme will be announced August 11.

“We are so proud of the calibre of the films and the diversity of the stories we will be presenting this year,” said Joana Vicente, TIFF Executive Director and Co-Head. “It is so powerful to be able to share these films with Festival-goers in theatres. And while the world is definitely moving towards a degree of normalcy, many of our industry and press colleagues may not be able to travel across international borders. In response, we have brought back the TIFF Digital Cinema Pro platform that will host Press & Industry screenings, the Industry Conference, press conferences, as well as the TIFF Industry Selects market. We believe that digital access is an important part of providing accessibility to audiences and will be vital to the future of film festivals. This inclusivity across all our offerings helps to ensure that, no matter where you are located, you can participate in the Festival.”

“It’s been a tough year and we’re so glad to be back,” said Cameron Bailey, TIFF Artistic Director and Co-Head. “We’re thrilled to be presenting the latest by Alison Klayman, Edgar Wright, Philip Noyce, Kenneth Branagh and many more to audiences in our Toronto cinemas, and to Canadians all across the country at home. We can’t wait for September. We’re also honoured to introduce the world to outstanding Canadian debuts such as Eric Warin and Tahir Rana’s Charlotte and Danis Goulet’s Night Raiders. We’ve been inspired by the quality, range, and diversity of the films we’re inviting, and we couldn’t wait to give everyone an early glimpse.”

“We are confident in our planning for a return to in-person screenings as part of TIFF as both the province and country accelerate vaccination rollout,” offered Dr. Peter Nord, Chief Medical Officer, Medcan, and TIFF’s consultative partner on health and safety for the pandemic. “Canada’s first-dose immunization rate has surpassed the US, and recently reached the best rates in the world. As of today in Toronto, more than 75% of adults have received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 25% have received their second dose. We fully anticipate that by the time the Festival arrives, all Ontarians will have the opportunity to be fully vaccinated. Public health indicators, such as hospitalizations, ICU occupancy, and case rates indicate that we’re on the right — and safe — path to fully reopening. In addition, audiences will confidently be able to enjoy in-cinema screenings by maintaining a safe physical distance and wearing a mask.”

TIFF will once again celebrate outstanding filmmaking with its jury awards: the Federation of International Film Critics (FIPRESCI) and Network for the Promotion of Asian Pacific Cinema (NETPAC) Awards, the Platform Prize, the IMDbPro Short Cuts Awards, the Amplify Voices Awards presented by Canada Goose, and the Shawn Mendes Foundation Changemaker Award. Known for its discerning audiences that predict box-office and critical success, the TIFF People’s Choice Awards series returns, comprising the People’s Choice Award, the People’s Choice Documentary Award, and the People’s Choice Midnight Madness Award. All films in TIFF’s Official Selection are eligible for the People’s Choice Award and are voted on by Festival audiences.

09/21/2020

Toronto International Film Festival announces 2020 award winners & Festival highlights Women filmmakers take centre stage in awards categories

The 45th edition of TIFF wrapped with the Closing Night Presentation of Mira Nair’s A Suitable Boy on September 19. The TIFF 2020 People's Choice Award, worth $10,000, went to Chloé Zhao's poetic drama Nomadland — a film that Exclaim! gave a perfect 10/10.

The recession-era road trip drama, starring Frances McDormand, tells the story of a woman travelling the American West alone in her van. Nomadland is already a favourite with critics, and picked up the Golden Lion for best film at Venice Film Festival earlier this month.

The first runner up of TIFF 2020 People’s Choice Award is One Night in Miami... dir. Regina King. The second runner up is Beans dir. Tracey Deer. The TIFF 2020 People’s Choice Documentary Award winner is Inconvenient Indian dir. Michelle Latimer. The TIFF 2020 People’s Choice Midnight Madness Award winner is Shadow in the Cloud dir. Roseanne Liang.

The Shawn Mendes Foundation Changemaker Award went to Kelly Fyffe-Marshall's short Black Bodies. IMDbProShortCutsAwards was handed out to Naïla Guiguet's Dustin (Best Film), Paul Shkordoff's Benjamin, Benny, Ben (Best Candian Film) and Tiffany Hsiung's Sing Me a Lullaby (the Share Her Journey Award).

Female filmmakers were chosen for many of the festival's other top prizes as well.

09/21/2020

The Second Chinese Film Industry Exhibition at the 2020 Toronto International Film Festival Going Digital

With the Chinese film industry's vigorous development, Chinese films are going international with a steady and fast speed, and the exchanges between Chinese filmmakers and their global peers are increasing.

After its debut at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) last year, the China Film Industry Exhibition again participated in TIFF through its online platform this year.

Since the TIFF 2020 was held in a combination of both online and offline due to the pandemic, the majority of the Chinese film industry exchanges went on digital as well. A total of eight Chinese films are presented in the exhibition on the online platform this year, including "Once Upon A Time In Huanghuatang", "Wisdom Tooth", "Young Sangyu", "Soul Inn", "Lost in Gusu City", "Re: Promise", etc. These works demonstrated struggle, love and uncertainty among many different walks of life in China.

In addition to a number of excellent Chinese film productions, The exhibit also introduced the beautiful filming location in south China, Xiamen, where filmmakers might envision their next movie set. This is an innovation that promotes the integration of the world film industry and China's tourism industry.

According to Lisa Lin, the organizer and president of Culture and Art Exchange Association Of North America, the pandemic has caused a great impact on the film and television industry, but as the situation has gradually mitigated, the audiences’ demand for film and television remains strong, and they hope to use the Toronto International Film Festival as a platform to promote film productions for this industry’s recovery.

“At the same time, we also hope to build a platform for collaboration and exchanges between Chinese and foreign film companies through TIFF, where the Chinese filmmakers can tell the world Chinese stories through our movies,” said Lin.

01/17/2020

Happy Lunar New Year! Canada Post celebrates Year of the Rat

Canada Post has issued two stamps celebrating the Year of the Rat – representing the first year in the Lunar New Year cycle and the final issue in a second 12-year series honouring the annual festival.

The Year of the Rat begins on January 25, 2020, and ends on February 11, 2021. A symbol of fertility and intelligence, the rat is said to confer great cunning, tact and vitality on those born under its sign.

Designed by Albert Ng (O.Ont.) and Seung Jai Paek, of Albert Ng and Associates, the stamps portray the traditional story of the rat’s daughter’s wedding in the style of folk art known as Chinese farmer painting. The Permanent™ domestic-rate stamp depicts the bride on route to her nuptials, while the International-rate stamp reveals the happily married couple.

The Year of the Rat stamps are available on January 17, in Permanent domestic- and International-rate booklets, as well as a gummed pane of 25 domestic-rate stamps framed by four Chinese blessings. Philatelic collectibles include an unsealed, International-rate Official First Day Cover suitable for use as a “money envelope” for traditional gift-giving.