Keira Loughran, an assistant professor in the Theatre Department at York University’s School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design (AMPD), will make her cinematic directorial debut on Nov. 16 with the premiere of her documentary film Exclusion: Beyond the Silence at the Toronto Reel Asian Film Festival.
In her documentary, Loughran – who has over 25 years of experience as a director, actor and playwright – follows two Chinese Canadian women embarking on a journey across Canada and China. The women are 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. A previously untold story, it is a timely reminder of the struggle and sacrifice of the Chinese Canadian community and their contributions to Canadian society.
Loughran reflects on the supportive environment for innovation and collaboration she has 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, she explains, has helped her push artistic boundaries while collaborating with experts from various disciplines who helped bring her film to life.
The Toronto Reel Asian Film Festival, taking place at the TIFF Bell Lightbox from Nov. 13 to 24, 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.
Members of the public can watch the films either online or in person, and join each film’s director for a Q-and-A session immediately following each premiere screening. For more information about the festival and to purchase tickets, visit ReelAsian.com.