Two films by Canadian Asian Directors, and Oh, Sandra stars in both

Reelworld Screen Institute staff members Safia Abdigir, Hannah Yohannes, Alison Cosgrove and Pahull Bains take over Hollywood Suite’s four channels Sept 29 and 30 showcasing some of their favourite films from the 70s through to today.

In celebration of diversity, we highlight two Asian-Canadian directors who have contributed to societal change and promote diversity and inclusion. Their use of comedy addresses the complexities of gender, race, and humanity in general. It is our hope to bring rich and diverse stories like these to a wider audience and increase awareness of the culturally and racially diverse stories that are part of Canadian culture and are woven into the fabric of our communities. These films explore the themes of cultural identity and social class, the bonus is we get to witness the comedic brilliance of Sandra Oh, who stars in both.

Double Happiness

Based on Shum’s life experiences of leaving home as a teenager, Double Happiness is a tale of an independence-seeking young actress trying to balance her passion and her parent’s expectations while being faced with the reality of racial barriers that hinder her professional growth. Starring Sandra Oh, this light-hearted comedy is a humorous story of finding one’s place in the world.

Prey

Starring Sandra Oh and Adam Beech, this 1995 release carries us alongside a young woman’s interactions with a shoplifter in her family’s convenience store that leads to her falling in love. Soon she is divided between loyalty to her father and her affection for a newfound love.

Alison’s Picks – September 29

Double Happiness – 9pm ET on HS90

Prey – 10:30pm ET on HS90

Alison Cosgrove,  Reelworld Communications Director

Alison has built a 20-year career in media and the arts, while working for top Canadian broadcasters including CTV and Corus Entertainment. As a Humber College graduate of Advertising and Graphic Design, Alison brings an in-depth and tactical understanding of the delivery of messages. With a desire to help underserved communities Alison has sat on the Board of Directors for Tangled Arts (formerly Abilities Art Festival) where she facilitated the rebrand of the organization. As Communications Director at Reelworld, Alison develops and oversees the communication plans for partnerships, outreach, and media awareness.