In Sing My Song, Barbara K. Lee explores why there are no Asian pop stars in North America. Through her journey as a songwriter and interviews with artists like Far East Movement, she uncovers the challenges faced by Asian musicians and their struggle for mainstream recognition.
Read MoreGrowing up in Hong Kong, Cardin Chan often walked confidently at night on streets illuminated by giant neon signs whose kaleidoscopic beams pierced the darkness, forming phosphorescent pathways that mapped the city into distinct districts with their own visual signatures. Featuring customized logos and Chinese calligraphy, the signs had been emblazoning the facades of family-run restaurants, bars, shops and theatres for decades, infusing Hong Kong’s commodity-driven economy with kinetic energy, character and otherworldly glamour.
Read MoreIn this article, you will have a chance to read about the inspiration behind the 2024 design which represents the feature story in this edition: the disappearing neon lights of Hong Kong’s streetscapes. Each and every handmade glowing neon sign symbolizes a life and history — a dream, a business, a family’s livelihood and service to the local community. This year’s tin design is a love letter to Hong Kong’s infamous vistas, full of life and vitality, and the city’s spirit, hustle, and bustle. Enjoy our design process!
Read MoreFollowing Twilight’s Kiss (2019), director Ray Yeung returns with his latest feature, All Shall Be Well (2024), which explores another poignant chapter in the lives of same-sex couples in Hong Kong. Taking a different approach from Twilight’s Kiss, this film delves into family dynamics, revealing the struggles and societal pressures that shape relationships. It also touches on the theme of legacy, encouraging audiences to reflect on how to secure a future for their loved ones. Winner of the 74th Teddy Award for Best Feature Film, All Shall Be Well will be screened in Toronto alongside Twilight’s Kiss, offering a rare chance to experience both of Yeung’s celebrated works—especially for those who missed Twilight’s Kiss during its original release due to the pandemic. Don’t miss this opportunity to see them together!
Read MoreOur "Love at Mid-Autumn" campaign returned for its fourth year, culminating in a successful Thank You Cheque Presentation Event last Friday at the Scotiabank North Tower. Born in a time of uncertainty, the campaign continues to spread love throughout the community, achieving a new milestone by raising $65,000 for Scarborough Health Network and the Fête Chinoise Cultural Foundation.
Read MoreOn September 7th, 2024, the 5th Annual Female Filmmaker Dinner, hosted by CHANEL in partnership with Variety Magazine, took place at Soho House during the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). The event celebrated the CHANEL Women Creators’ Network and the significant role of women in film.
Read MoreWith TIFF 2024 wrapping up this weekend, we delve into this year's remarkable selection of Asian films. These films offer deep insights into the Chinese and Chinese-Canadian experience, each providing a unique perspective on the diverse narratives and identities within our communities. Explore these highlights with us to uncover how they shed light on different aspects of our diaspora, enhancing our understanding of both our shared and distinct experiences.
Read MoreIn 2022, the film A Light Never Goes Out rekindled our fascination with the radiant neon lights of Hong Kong, offering a fresh glimpse into the artistry and craftsmanship behind these iconic signs. The film’s nostalgic portrayal has sparked renewed interest in the cultural and historical significance of neon lights, leading the 2024 Design Annual to feature two compelling stories on this luminous subject.
Read MoreWhether it's an inherited piece of jewellery, a treasured painting, or a newly acquired antique, each collection speaks to an experience, a story, and a connection to our heritage, culture, and personal histories. While insurance is a familiar concept, its importance in safeguarding high-value items and ensuring their legacy can continue, is often overlooked.
Read MoreHand-written Chinese character signs often serve as prominent features in local movie backdrops and nostalgic tourist photos. Hong Kong's oldest storefronts proudly display hand-painted lettering, embodying a unique charm that image makers strive to cherish — from filmmakers to photographers like renowned Hong Kong-based French photographer Romain Jacquet-Lagrèze. These signs, with their graceful strokes, have become iconic symbols of the city's culture, offering a nostalgic glimpse into its bustling urban landscape — enjoy every image!
Read MoreAsian cinema continues to make its mark at TIFF, and we’re excited to see its evolving presence and representation. In 2022, Michelle Yeoh was honoured with the TIFF Share Her Journey Groundbreaker Award, and in 2023, we had the pleasure of covering Andy Lau’s Special Tribute Award red carpet moment.
Read MoreStratford Festival is always a premier destination for theatrical productions. This year, they are showcasing the world premiere of Salesman in China by Leanna Brodie and Jovanni Sy, a groundbreaking production that reimagines Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman. Featuring performances by Adrian Pang, Tom McCamus, and Jo Chim, this world-première play delves into the cultural dialogue between the West and China as Miller’s iconic drama is adapted for a Chinese audience.
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