From Left to Right: Breanna English (Platform On Camera), Steph Song (FAANA), Christian Lagasse (Platform On Camera),, Pu Shasha (FAANA).
Many Canadian-born Chinese may not know the treasure that is Chinese Intangible Cultural Heritage – shadow puppets and traditional Chinese realistic painting. Little do they know that Cui Yue, the daughter of Chinese shadow puppet master Cui Yongping, lives in Vancouver. It is her aspiration to bring her father’s precious shadow puppet collections here for exhibition. Bu Zhaoyu, along with his son Bu Xinghui, heir to the traditional Chinese realistic painting master Bu Xiaohuai, will soon visit North America with the manuscripts from the founder of the well-known Bu-styled illustrations. The initiative of promoting positive cultural exchange comes from Pu Shasha, one of the founders of Film Artists Association of North American (FAANA). As a non-profi t organization established in 2023, FAANA made a debut by successfully holding the Short Film Festival last year, winning widespread praise. While this is their exploration into fi lm and TV areas, FAANA’s vision is to introduce a wider range of artistic forms to mainstream Canadian culture and other ethnic groups. On FAANA’s wish list, Chinese opera, painting, folk art, folk music, and more.
Platform On Camera Talent: Kylie Bring
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Back Row Left to Right:
Alecia Hack, Brooke Bourgaize, Lamya Monisha Rahman, Anna Marie Moen, Emily Wildeman, Isabel Hanes, Colleen Zander
Middle Row Left to Right:
Maia Pisco, Csilla Hicik, Baylee Crute, Charlee Fitzgerald, Megan Guay, Melody Meilin, Abby Metcalfe, Elisha Shen, Mila Wallis
Seated Front Row Left to Right:
Breanna English (Platform On Camera) Milli Goodearle, Layla Thal, Elliza Bowie, Arianna Elsworth, Steph Song, Shasha Pu ( FAANA) ,Aila Sears, Briar Maschek, Keanna Lakovic, Kailin Strang, Kylie Bring, Christian Lagasse (Platform On Camera)
Pu Shasha, who graduated from the Beijingbased Central Academy of Drama, is a screen and stage actress and director, as well as an international producer committed to cultural exchanges and helping artists collaborate across borders.
“Art has no borders. We hope to explore a variety of inclusive art forms to connect people from diff erent cultural backgrounds and bridge the divide for Chinese creators to enter mainstream culture,” says Shasha.
“For example, the combination of Chinese opera and western music, the fusion of painting and modern dance, the crossover of sculpture and digital media and other cutting edge forms of expression, will showcase the integration of “Chinese” culture with mainstream art. This is our initial thought and our mission.
“However, Shasha notes, cultural integration doesn’t happen overnight. Vancouver is populated with Chinese immigrants, so there’s no shortage of art projects. What is lacking is space and venues for artists to communicate and spark ideas.
“There are many commercial properties in Vancouver, some of which are partially idle,” she says. “We are now actively reaching out to the owners of these properties, encouraging them to leverage their vacant shops, warehouses, schools, cafes, etc. for artists’ use for vital events, such as seminars, auditions, script readings, rehearsals, exhibitions and auctions.”
Shasha says this partnership would enable business owners to enrich cultural atmospheres and increase exposure. For the artists, it would help implement and incubate their works and projects. For FAANA, it does its part to foster cultural integration.
Shasha isn’t the only one. FAANA’s current board members include Malaysian actor Steph Song, who starred in the Canadian TV series, “Blood and Water,” and Canadian actor, Robyn Ross. Song is working behind the scenes as a producer, focusing on exploring movie and TV talent from Southeast Asia, to help them bring their work to North America. Song joined FAANA, giving much recognition to its role of bridging people and culture together for diversity, and creating more resources for the art and fi lm communities.
Robyn Ross Wayne Hoëcherl @wahpix
From Left to Right: Pu Shasha (FAANA), Breanna English (Platform on Camera), Steph Song (FAANA).
“Art has no borders. We hope to explore a variety of inclusive art forms to connect people from different cultural backgrounds…”
“We need quiet and safe venues for script creation and auditions,” she points out, “particularly those emerging talents who need the most support. FAANA can play a part.”
As an actor and coach in Canada’s arts and entertainment industries, Ross believes local mainstream art groups look forward to working with FAANA.
“In a time when government and educational institutions are funding the arts less and less, it’s imperative that there is a place where creativity can be fostered and supported,” she says.
“I will be developing plans and assembling teams of visionaries, to help FAANA achieve its goal of subsidizing projects, connecting creators, building bridges internationally and acclimatizing new artists who have immigrated to this country. I want Vancouver to one day be known as a global cultural capital.”
FAANA is currently cooperating with career development program Platform On Camera to integrate elements of Chinese opera into its choreography. This idea has been embraced fully by Platform On Camera founder Breanna English.
“The collaboration with FAANA is a great match, both with similar views and goals, collectively coming together to develop an interactive live movement with a traditional and westernized tone for all to enjoy.”
FAANA believes that such collaboration enables local audiences to connect with artists from diff erent ethnic groups. They’ll continue to be cultural interpreters and bridge builders allowing more talented artists and their work to be seen and recognized.
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Left: Platform On Camera Talent: Melody Meilin Right: Steph Song (FAANA)
