Secret Societies of Vancouver

While I was in Vancouver, I was invited to spend post-Christmas with some old friends. One of them, was telling me about this documentary he was producing for OMNI. Kevin is my friend’s older bro and also a friend of my sister – he’s been one of the first people I know who have been making a conscious effort producing Asian-content for Canadian television- pre-dominantly on the West Coast. So this is latest project:  Brotherhoods, Clans, and Secret Societies of Vancouver’s Chinatown.

The bustling street level store fronts of Chinatown distract from what is housed above- the social backbone of Vancouver’s Chinese community. Many of these decades old buildings are hom eto family associations and benevolent societies, referred to as a ‘Tong’. The Tong acted as a community centre for Chinese the social network of Vancouver Chinese community at the turn of the century. 

Featuring Tong members, their descendants, prominent members of Vancouver’s Chinese community and experts on  Chinese Culture in Canada, Brotherhoods, Clans and Secret Societies of Vancouver’s Chinatown gives a glimpse into these local organizations and associations which still remain somewhat of a foreign topic to western eyes. The film gives a face to the Chinese associations and immigrants who helped shape Vancouver’s cultural landscape.

Can’t wait to see it!

Produced and Directed by  Kevin Li

Written by Cindy Leong

Original Music by Jin Zhang

Airdates:

Omni BC

June 3, 2012 10PM

Omni Alberta

June 3, 2012 9PM

Omni.2 (East)

June 3, 2012 9pm