Hybridity provides the perspective of five East Asian-Canadian artists of different disciplines, highlighting their experiences of navigating their identity and culture while being a part of both the Eastern and Western worlds. The documentary features (in order of appearance) Ziyian Kwan, Jace Junggyu Kim, Amanda Sum, Shiyu and Alex S. Yu.
The Story
The ideation for this documentary began in early April. As AAPI Heritage month approached, I knew that I wanted to work with the community around me to create a film which highlights our experience of being Asian-Canadian artists.
I soon began reaching out to various artists in Vancouver from different disciplines. After numerous rejects and cold feet, I had 5 incredible artists who supported the cause of this film and were willing to share their stories.
Soon after, I gathered my crew consisting of a majority of diverse, young, first/second gen immigrants. As each artist shared their stories in their beautiful spaces, many of us felt a sense of connection and relatability to one another.
With the production support of FYA Media House and many volunteers/friends, we finished the production in just 3 days.
Questions of identity and heritage are often profound in the minds of young artists (including myself), and Hybridity aims to provide the insight of various East Asian-Canadian artists who’ve either faced the same questions, or are currently facing them. We hope that the film will allow the audience to feel connected and inspired, answer and raise questions about their identity, and help them feel a sense of connection to our small yet dynamic community.
