AACT x TIFF
LUNAR NEW YEAR:
The Farewell and Welcome Spring Arts Fair
LEARN MOREAACT warmly invites you to explore a Welcome Spring Arts Fair presented in partnership with Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) to celebrate the Lunar New Year, promote cultural heritage, and cultivate well wishes.
This two-part event offers an art activation hosted by local artists and organized by AACT, followed by a screening of The Farewell presented by TIFF. This Lunar New Year celebration will provide visitors with a warm and welcoming experience to gather, exchange and honour Asian cultural and artistic traditions. Your presence is warmly invited as we usher in the Year of the Dragon together!
ABOUT THE ACTIVATION
AACT has been working with local artists (Ness Lee, Wenting Li, and Anson Ng) to develop a pop-up Lunar New Year Fair in the TIFF Lightbox Atrium between 1pm-3pm. This free drop-in event will allow the visitors to engage in various art-making activities such as clay figurine making, auspicious sign making, and paper flower making. Food stations related to Lunar New Year will also be available for families and friends to enjoy together.
INFORMATION
TIME:
Sunday, February 11, 2024
1 pm - 3 pm
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LOCATION:
TIFF Lightbox - Atrium
ABOUT THE SCREENING
Following the arts activation event, at 3pm, TIFF presents a screening of Lulu Wang’s acclaimed film The Farewell. This tender story centers on Billi, a writer living in New York who travels to China in the aftermath of her grandmother’s terminal cancer diagnosis and must learn to navigate her family’s competing wishes for their beloved matriarch. As Billi learns about acceptance and tradition, she gains a new understanding of family and love in this moving tale about bridging generational gaps and culture clashes. To obtain tickets please visit TIFF’s site here.
*Seniors over the age of 65 can get free tickets to the screening of The Farewell. Please get in touch with us at aact.canada@gmail.com to learn more.
INFORMATION
TIME:
Sunday, February 11, 2024
3 pm
--
LOCATION:
TIFF Lightbox - Cinema 1
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
Lunar New Year, which marks the arrival of the first new moon in the lunar calendar year, holds great historical significance that dates back over 3,000 years. This festival is the foundation of numerous cultural and familial traditions cherished and practiced by people in various Asian countries and Asian diasporas.
One such tradition is the Miaohui, or temple fairs, which bring together members of the local community during the Lunar New Year festivities. While these fairs were originally rooted in religious observance, contemporary Miaohui has evolved into vibrant events where attendees can immerse themselves in unique art experiences, engage with local artisans, and savor freshly prepared snacks.
