CONTENT ADVISORY
Nudity, violence, racist language; depictions of blood and gore, smoking, drinking
Canada202393 minEnglish, Mandarin, CantoneseCanadian PremiereAvailable Online, Comedy, Drama, First Feature
Shan, an immigrant from Dongbei, China, settles in Markham, Ont., a suburb known for its welcoming Chinese community. There, Kevin, a fellow Dongbei local, pulls him into a scheme to rob a Japanese restaurant stealing business from Chinese locals. After the heist goes horribly wrong, they delve into the streets of Markham in a series of chaotic episodes. Fresh Off Markham functions as a satirical anthology, highlighting experiences and dilemmas that some Chinese immigrants encounter amidst relocation.
Paying homage to the best of modern cinema, Kurt Yuen, Cyrus Lo, and Trevor Choi’s feature directorial debut successfully interweaves stories of the diasporic experience in with Markham. They keep generational history in mind, while providing a meaningful look at greed, interracial conflict, and the cost of immigration. Daring, decisive, and tonally diverse, Fresh Off Markham’s charm is rooted in its bold specificity, bringing an often overlooked Greater Toronto Area community to film.
– Amreen Kullar
Nian Chang
Howard Li
Edmond Clark
Jessica Chan
OFFICIAL SELECTION
Hong Kong International Film Festival, 2024
Beijing International Film Festival, 2024
Kurt Yuen, Cyrus Lo, Trevor Choi
Kurt Yuen was born and raised in Hong Kong, and is a graduate of the Hong Kong Film Director’s Guild Masterclass.
Cyrus Lo strives to tell meaningful stories through film. His debut short Aftershock (2023) was an official selection at Vancouver Asian Film Festival.
Trevor Choi is a graduate of the Hong Kong Film Director’s Guild Masterclass, and his short film Ouroboros (2018) screened at the 42nd New York Asian American International Film Festival.
15 Nov, 2024 5:30 pm
TIFF Lightbox C3AA
CONTENT ADVISORY
Nudity, violence, racist language; depictions of blood and gore, smoking, drinking
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This film is scheduled to be presented with subtitles for all spoken dialogue (no sound cues indicated). Wheelchair spaces and step-free seating is available for this screening – click below to book accessible seats.
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This film is scheduled to be presented with subtitles for all spoken dialogue (no sound cues indicated).
Join us for a Q&A immediately after the theatrical presentation with directors Kurt Yuen, Cyrus Lo, and Trevor Choi.
Fresh off its world premiere at TIFF, Amar Wala’s SHOOK serves as an ideal case study for filmmakers, particularly those transitioning from shorts to feature films. Set in Scarborough, Ont., the film captures the area's multicultural essence and reflects on identity, place, and personal growth through rich, site-specific details. This panel explores the craft of the film, the intricate score, and the writing process, capturing a slice of life that local audiences can resonate with. As a family story, SHOOK presents a narrative that showcases the beauty of everyday life, balancing complex personal narratives with broader cultural commentary. By examining Wala’s experience with Shook, we'll shed light on how an honest love letter to a city and its diverse communities can be crafted.
14 Nov. 5:30 pm
Loud and expressive, reflexive yet playful, this programme, in the spirit of Creatura, makes room for all our mushy and monstruous emotions. Come for the screening, stick around for the delightful arts activities for all ages to enjoy together!
23 Nov. 10:00 am - 23 Nov. 3:00 pm
At the heart of this captivating coming-of-age sports film is Ashley Chea, a Cambodian American basketball marvel whose high school career we follow. Hailing from a lower-class immigrant family that sought safety in the U.S. after the Khmer Rouge came to power, Chea is given the opportunity to attend a private school and thus pursue a coveted college basketball career. While her parents work vigorously at their doughnut store and can’t attend her games, Chea bonds with her Japanese American coach, who helps her with doctor's appointments and even attaining her driver’s licence.
17 Nov. 10:00 am