This November, Keira Loughran, assistant professor in the Theatre program at York University’s School of the Arts, Media, Performance and Design (AMPD), will make her cinematic directorial debut in a documentary film with the premiere of Exclusion: Beyond the Silence, at the Reel Asian Film Festival at TIFF Bell Lightbox.
Loughran brings over 25 years of experience as an award-winning director, actor and playwright. Her documentary follows two Chinese Canadian women who embark on a journey across Canada and China, seeking to learn more about the sacrifices made by their grandmothers and the challenges of family reunification in the wake of the discriminatory Exclusion Act of 1923.
“In the context of the rise of contemporary anti-Asian and anti-Chinese racism during the pandemic, I felt it was important to tell this story,” says Loughran.
Exclusion: Beyond the Silence reveals the human impact of a discriminatory immigration policy that caused lasting intergenerational trauma to Chinese Canadians, their culture and family life. An untold story, it’s a timely reminder of the struggle and sacrifice of the Chinese Canadian community and their contribution to Canadian society.
Loughran reflects on the supportive environment for innovation and collaboration she’s found within AMPD that is mirrored in her approach to art, activism and storytelling. “There’s a lot of space within AMPD for innovation, challenge and change,” she says. “It’s gratifying to have a community that values that, a space where new ideas are encouraged." This environment has helped her push artistic boundaries while collaborating with experts from various disciplines and building a dynamic artistic team, which played a key role in bringing the film to life.
Building on her own experience, Loughran offers advice for students interested in using film as a medium for social change. “I think it’s really important to be observant of the world around you. Find the things that inspire you and give yourself time to play with them. Fail and explore.”
About The Toronto Reel Asian Festival
Loughran's film will premiere on November 16th, 2024, as part of the Toronto Reel Asian Film Festival, running from November 13 to 24, 2024. The festival showcases a diverse array of films that highlight the Asian experience through storytelling, culture, and art. It celebrates both emerging and established filmmakers, offering a platform for voices that often go unheard.
For more information about the festival and to purchase tickets, visit ReelAsian.com. You can watch the films either online or in person, and join the director for a Q&A session immediately following the premiere screening.
EXCLUSION: Beyond the Silence is produced by Ballinran Entertainment in association with White Pine Pictures, with the support of Telus, Knowledge Network, Rogers Sports and Media, YES TV Canada, CFM-FMC, Ontario Creates. Executive Producers: Craig Thompson, Wei Hu, Justin Poy, Peter Raymont.