Join us in May for our Virtual Screenings, Industry Panels, Workshops and Campaign showcasing creators from the Asian diaspora in Canada.

In celebration of Asian Heritage Month, we presented four virtual panels on May 28 & 29, 2021, which will focus on underrepresented communities in the film industry.

The series will be geared toward providing insight and insider perspectives for aspiring and current filmmakers of diverse backgrounds, and those in the industry who aim to work with diverse representation both in front of and behind the camera.

All registrants will get a chance for a lucky draw to win a ticket to the VAFF Industry Insight Panel Series – November 2021 Film Festival.

Learn More: https://vaff.org/vaffindustry2021/

In celebration of Asian Heritage Month, Elimin8Hate, with media partner TikTok Canada, is launching ReClaim Your Name, a multi-faceted project that invites anyone who identifies as Asian Canadians and people of Asian descent to participate by sharing the story of their name – all versions of it.

This is an opportunity to reflect on the pressure many Asian people feel to westernize their names to be accepted, and the growing movement to reclaim our birth or ethnic names.

We invite everyone to share their story on TikTok using #ReClaimYourName and #Elimin8Hate. This is an inclusive project that recognizes that many communities of colour are also reflecting on ethnic names.
Learn more: https://www.elimin8hate.org/blog/reclaim-your-name

We will be hosting ReClaim Your Name sharing and healing circles on May 20 and May 23, 2021, creating safe spaces for people who have felt pressure to westernize their name to share the story of their name. These events will include professional mental health support, donated by Aspiria (a CloudMD Company), Mental Health Support Solutions.

On May 1, 2021, the API Film Festival Coalition presents a special word-of-mouth virtual screening of the new action-comedy, THE PAPER TIGERS!  To ensure THE PAPER TIGERS box office success, please consider recommending the theatrical release on May 7 in select theaters and VOD. For more information of THE PAPER TIGERS, visit http://thepapertigersmovie.com

Writer & Director: Quoc Bao Tran
Starring: Alain Uy, Ron Yuan, Mykel Shannon Jenkins
Run time: 108 minutes

Film synopsis: Three Kung Fu prodigies have grown into washed-up, middle-aged men, now one kick away from pulling their hamstrings. But when their master is murdered, they must juggle their dead-end jobs, dad duties, and old grudges to avenge his death.

On May 1 – 31, celebrate our 25th anniversary during Asian Heritage Month, we curated four award winning short films from our local communities featuring stories about Asian Canadian history, Asian diaspora culture, the rigid traditions of some Asian families. There will also be a local musician sharing his experiences with mental health issues.

The four award winning short films is Hayashi Studio (VAFF 2020 Best Canadian Short Award), Grandma’s 80th Surprise (MAMM 14 1st place Best Short Award), Bunny Man (MAMM 13 1st place Best Short Award),  The Lion (VAFF 2017 Best Canadian Short Award).

We continue to showcase Asian Canadian stories and we are “Celebrating Diversity in Film”. You can watch this Asian Canadian shorts and other Asian American programs at the Asian Pacific Virtual Showcase during the month of May. Tickets are FREE of charge. However, you will have the option to donate to support the streaming costs.
Learn more: https://vcmedia.org/apvs

Government of Canada – Asian Heritage Month