CONTENT ADVISORY
domestic/sexual violence, gender violence, nudity, explicit sexual content
Canada2025116 minFrench, Mandarin with English subtitles2slgbtq+, Directed By Women, Drama, Lesbian, Reel Asian Award Winner, Romance
Feng Xia, 53, lives a modest but decent life in Montreal: She has a house and is married with two children. But she finds herself growing dissatisfied with her loveless marriage and cloistered life of obligation. After taking a conversational French class, Feng Xia finds the city has opened up to her in new ways, including curious dalliances with dating apps. There, she meets Camille, a Quebecois woman who challenges her spiritually and sexually. Their affair awakens Feng Xia’s long-buried desires during a glowing Montreal summer.
The iconic Joan Chen fearlessly takes on the challenging role of Feng Xia, dexterously shifting between timid matron and sensuous explorer. Director Xiaodan He creates no easy answers, though, determined to show the complexities and conflicts of being a middle-aged Chinese mother in Montreal who yearns to break out. For those like Feng Xia who carry the weight of life’s duties, self-discovery can have collateral damage.
– Aram Siu Wai Collier
Joan Chen
Charlotte Aubin
John Xu
Xiaodan He
Xiaodan He, a Montreal-based Chinese Canadian filmmaker, studied film production at the Beijing Film Academy of China. After immigrating to Canada, He founded Red Dawn Productions, which received financing for five feature film projects. He is the first Chinese immigrant director and producer to receive governmental grants in Quebec and in Canada for a feature film.
7 Nov, 2025 8:15 pm
TIFF Lightbox C3AA
CONTENT ADVISORY
domestic/sexual violence, gender violence, nudity, explicit sexual content
IN PERSON ACCESSIBILITY
This film is being presented with English 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.
Join us for a Q&A session immediately after the screening moderated by Reel Asian's artistic director Aram Siu Wai Collier, with director Xiaodan He.
From sharing meals to counting planes and planting beans, these films lead us through stories of unexpected vulnerability, resilience, and companionship. Come for the screening and stick around for delightful creative activities for all ages to enjoy together!
15 Nov. 10:00 am
Join us at Sankofa Square on Mon, Oct 27 at 12PM as we announce our programming with four guest directors and hold an artist talk with this year's Festival Creative Artist, Janet Mac.
27 Oct. 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
We each bring our own style to the table — whether that's upholding tradition or breaking it, following the rules or bending them. These films explore familial complexity through play, transformation, agency, and hope.
8 Nov. 1:00 pm
Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival is a unique showcase of contemporary Asian cinema and work from Asia and the Asian diaspora. Works include films and videos by artists in Canada, the U.S., Asia and all over the world. As Canada’s largest pan-Asian film festival, Reel Asian provides a public forum for Asian media artists and their work, and fuels the growing appreciation for Asian cinema in Canada.
401 Richmond Street West, The Commons (Suite 448)
Toronto, Ontario, M5V 3A8 Canada
(416) 703 – 9333
info@reelasian.com
Charitable number: 870021383RR0001
