2017 Film Festival - Canada-China Friendship Society

September 22 and 23, 2017, Canada-China Film Festival, poster, programme.

The 2017 film festival began on Friday September 22 at the Canadian Museum of Nature with a catered reception, and remarks by former Deputy Prime Miniaster Hon. Sheila Copps.

We thank the following for their support of the 2017 film festival.

Mayor Jim Watson

The Canada China National Council (Robert Yip, CCNC-Ottawa, Director)

The CCFSO wishes to thank the Embassy of the Peoples Republic of China in Ottawa for their on-going support of our multi-year film festival project

Following remarks and reception was the screening of Soul Mate by Canadian-Chinese Director Derek Tsang. Derek, who studied at Ryerson, is lauded as one of the brightest young film makers in the Hong Kong film industry. The film is set in the current time period and explores the relationship between two young girls as they mature and discover the meaning of adulthood. The two stars both won Best Actress Awards for their roles in Soul Mate.

On Saturday September 23, we screened two films. In recognition of Canada’s 150 anniversary, the first film was the docu-drama From C to C: Chinese Canadian Stories of Migration. This film addresses, among other things, racial discrimination against Chinese immigrants, the imposition and consequences of Canada’s Head Tax and Chinese Exclusion Act and the struggle for equality and reconciliation. It covers a time span from the late 1800’s to the recent past. It was followed by a discussion led by guest speakers Professor Tim Stanley and Yew Lee.

The 2^nd film on Saturday was Coming Home by Yimou Zhang, one of China’s leading Directors. It stars Gong Li, one of China’s most acclaimed actresses. This film had its Canadian premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. Coming Home is set in the Cultural Revolution (early 1970s) and follows a family, through this tumultuous period including the betrayal of the father by his daughter, his exile and eventual return and reconciliation.

Gold Sponsor $500 or more