“Exclusion: Beyond the Silence” Film Screening & Panel Talk

Exclusion: Beyond the Silence is a feature documentary that reveals the human impact of a discriminatory immigration policy that caused lasting intergenerational trauma to Chinese Canadians, their culture and family life.

It is the story of two granddaughters examining the legacy of their respective grandmothers - women of indomitable spirit who fought for family reunification, establishing permanent roots for the Chinese Canadian Community and paving the way for Canada's policy of multiculturalism.

The film is directed by Keira Loughran, a third generation Chinese Canadian theatre actor and director. Her grandmother was Jean Lumb, the first Chinese Canadian woman to be honoured with the Order of Canada. On her quest, she is joined by Helen Lee whose grandmother, Foon Hay Lum, who at the age of 111 was the oldest Canadian to die of COVID-19 in the early days of the pandemic.

Together, Helen and Keira travel across Canada, to learn how the Exclusion Act impacted generations of Chinese Canadian families. They discover more about the pivotal role their grandmothers played. The journey ultimately takes them to Guangdong Province in rural southern China, where they connect with relatives they've never met before.

It's an extraordinary untold story and a timely reminder of the struggle and sacrifice of the Chinese Canadian community and their contribution to Canadian society.

Join us for a special screening of Exclusion: Beyond the Silence. The evening will open with a reception where light refreshments will be served, followed by the screening and  an audience talkback with director Keira Loughran, Helen Lee (Foon Hay Lum’s granddaughter) and producers Justin Poy and Craig Thompson, moderated by Dr. Melissa Karmen Lee, CEO of the Chinese Canadian Museum.

Event Details:

• Date: Friday, December 13, 2024

• Location: Chinese Canadian Museum (51 E Pender St.)

• Time and Schedule:
  5:00-6:30 P.M. – Doors and reception
  6:30-8:00 P.M. – Exclusion: Beyond the Silence screening
  8:00-9:00 P.M. – Audience talkback with director Keira Loughran, Helen Lee (Foon Hay Lum’s granddaughter) and producers Justin Poy and Craig Thompson, moderated by Melissa Karmen Lee

• Cost: $16/annual pass holder; $20/general admission visitor
  *GST not included

• Register: Registration link here

This event will be conducted primarily in English.

This screening is supported by Telus and Altec Global Inc.