Public Screens

Melissa Lam (Vancouver, BC) YOUTH
Duration: 1:36

“No Less Asian” explores the struggles and triumphs of being a 2nd Generation Asian-Canadian, portrayed through the medium of dance.

In honor of this year's AANHPI History Month in May, I wanted to showcase the rich diversity of the Asian-Canadian experience through the art of dance. As a Chinese-Canadian who grew up in Singapore and later moved to Vancouver, I faced my own challenges in navigating my cultural identity. Today, I feel more grounded and embrace my multicultural heritage. Dance provides a vibrant way to celebrate our unique stories, connect with our roots, and build a shared understanding with others.

Director, Editor, Mix Media Artist: Melissa Lam
Producer: Ann Dinh
DP, Cam Op: Stefan Feldmann
Post Supervisor: Bronwyn Davies
Sound Designer: Adam Johnson
Colorist: Tyson Rider
Designer: Andy Burdin

Grace Richter (Vancouver, BC) YOUTH
Vancouver Premiere
Duration: 4:44
Content warning: Strobe lighting

In this dance concept video, the choreography symbolizes the invisible box of self-imposed conformity and comfort zones. Dancers move within confined spaces, their movements repetitive and restrained, reflecting the tension between yearning for freedom and clinging to familiar, safe boundaries. As the performance progresses, voices recite affirmations that initially seem empowering, but as they're repeated, they gradually sink into the dancers' subconscious, subtly transforming their beliefs and reinforcing the limitations of the box. The dancers struggle to break free but are continually pulled back, illustrating how these affirmations can both uplift and imprison, shaping our reality and identity.

Director, Choreographer: Grace Richter
Cinematographer: Meaghan Gipps
Dancers: Anna Roberts, Zach Ralph, Dani Taon, Avery Mckibben, Jordan Sande, Olivia Boesch, Leyanne Marzan, Cadence McBride, Maya Halverson, Sierra Hateley, Sophie Clarke Heelan, Nicole Peca, Beth Nemish, Connor Ferguson, Christina Noon, Tamara Kiyama, Haylie Mandel, Julianna Grahn, Greg Kendall, Kaya Morris, Kendall Veer, Lily Bollegraf, Mia Kerr, Meigan Croteau, Keithen Zimmerman, Emersyn Degelmann, Owen Hogg, Emily Nguyen, Isabae Alston, Ruby Eger, Caitie Mah, Maya Da Costa
Music: Affirmation Practice by DJ Gigola

Abbey Richens (Toronto, ON) YOUTH
World Premiere
Duration: 3:44

“Submerged” is a collaboration between Abbey Richens and Abby Silvera. The work offers digital footprint on the ephemeral experience of cold water plunging. Exploring the similarities between spiralling online and drowning. Being swept, submerged, overtaken by the forces of the internet. We are letting ourselves be swallowed by the digital sea in order to participate with others, to find belonging. What it numbs down to is the desire to connect and be loved.

Director: Abbey Richens
Cinematographer: Jen Fong
Dancers: Abbey Richens, Abby Silvera

Cristian Leonardo Oriak Rodriguez (Burnaby, BC) YOUTH
World Premiere
Duration: 3:22

“MATTO - A Modern Romani Dance Performance” is a mesmerizing dance film featuring Darya Kulyashova, who graces the screen in breathtaking  flowy traditional Romani dresses. Through her captivating performance, Darya merges modern choreography with the deep, expressive roots of Romani dance. Her movements elegantly unite contemporary style with age-old traditions, creating a dynamic and visually stunning representation of cultural heritage. 

Director, Cinematographer: Cristian Oriak
Dancer, Choreographer: Darya Kulyashova
Grip/LX: Reve Oncrack