Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival 2011 Day 3: Thursday November 10, 2011

On Day 3 of the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival I caught the Canadian Spotlight which this year featured Lily Eng showcasing films, excerpts and documentation of her dancing, choreography, performance art and kung fu works though out the years. I loved the variety of arts that Reel Asian continues to acknowledge and celebrate and this program certainly did that. Along with the films, excepts, stills and moderated discussion, the presentation also included a live performance by Lily Eng and was kicked off with a lion dance, and I have to say - how many festivals can you go to where your leg is nibbled on my a dancing lion? Not enough I say, not enough!




Canadian Spotlight on Lily Eng discussion with co-curator Coman Poon, Lily Eng & Peter Dudar

Canadian Spotlight: Lily Eng: Real Asian Canadian Woman Warrior
Including short films, film excepts, performance documentation, performance of a new piece called 'The Now', moderated discussion with Lily Eng, Peter Dudar and spotlight co-curator Coman Poon plus a lion dance

This was one of my most anticipated works of the festival, being a lover of dance, movement, martial arts and film I couldn't have been more excited to see each of those present and represented in the program. And, wow, did it ever deliver on so many levels! The showcase has a huge array of inspiring works from conceptual to performance art documentation, to film excepts, all of which were engaging, intriguing and made me think. They made me think about movement, energy, the body, sound and the entangled presence that lives with them in one moment, time and place.

It's always interesting to first be introduced to an artist but seeing a huge body of their work and therefore being treated to highlights over such a long period of time. I found it interesting that the subject matter often varied in the works, but the energy and intensity was always there; a kinetic building energy that was often released as well as being received. I found seeing energy received very interesting and unusual, which made it very exciting. And absolutely formidable presentation that was beautiful, intense and inspiring.


Canadian Spotlight on Lily Eng discussion with co-curator Coman Poon, Lily Eng & Peter Dudar


Canadian Spotlight on Lily Eng discussion with co-curator Coman Poon, Lily Eng & Peter Dudar

The Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival 2011 runs from November 5 - 13, 2011 in Toronto and November 18-19, 2011 in Richmond Hill in Ontario, Canada.