As May approaches and spring flowers start to bud, consider this your official invite to the FascinAsian Film Festival 2025 – the Year of the Snake – the Year of being BOLD!
Join us at any of our THREE festivals during May, as we celebrate Asian Heritage Month with the best in features and short films by Asian creators as well as highlighting Asian perspectives.
Calgary is celebrating its 4th annual festival this year, and I am in awe at its growth. Each year, it has doubled in size, and 2025 should be no exception! With amazing films, food, and cultural performances, it truly is an Asian celebration. The Calgary festival is first up, taking place on the first weekend of May (1-4) at the beautiful Calgary Central Library, and it’s a great way to kick things off for a month of festivals across the prairies!
This year, we are so proud to welcome Edmonton to the FascinAsian family of festivals. Shawn Tse, Su Chao and the rest of the team in Edmonton have done excellent work, building the excitement for FascinAsian in their city! I look forward to meeting all the filmmakers, volunteers, sponsors, dignitaries and patrons at the inaugural festival happening at the Landmark Cinemas 9 Edmonton City Centre between May 9-11.
Here in Winnipeg, we are holding our 5th annual festival, and it is always memorable. This year will be extra exciting with some special events happening next to our venue at – the Winnipeg Art Gallery-Qaumajuq . The same weekend, May 23-25, will see the “Taste of Asia” food festival occurring in Memorial Park, so you can grab a tasty meal before going to see a great film! Our friends at the Asian Heritage Society are also holding their showcase of cultural performances on Broadway, so the area will be a hub of Asian Heritage Month celebrations.
Each festival is unique and highlights the local Asian filmmaking community, but will retain some commonalities in programming, style, and themes! No matter which festival you attend, you will feel a part of a warm and supportive community of passionate advocates for sharing great stories from the Asian diaspora with everyone. Check out the lineup for each festival by viewing the programs on the website or going to that festival’s box office site.
Calgary: May 1-4
Edmonton: May 9-11
Winnipeg: May 22-25
See you at the movies!
Sincerely,
Alan Wong
President and Winnipeg Festival Director