Clan of the Painted Lady: Jennifer Chiu's Intimate Documentary on Hakka Heritage

Clan of the Painted Lady: Jennifer Chiu's Intimate Documentary on Hakka Heritage

A still camera frames an elder in her family kitchen. She is tidying up surfaces with a towel and inspecting the pipes of the sink. The dim lights create distinct contours of shadow and light. A voice emerges from beyond the frame—Dad, can we film you smoking outside? A man’s voice responds: No. His wife finishes drying her hands and looks at the camera, shakes her head and walks away. The lens lingers on the frame without subjects. A narrator’s voice sums up the interaction for viewers: ”In my community, many things are left unsaid. For my family, privacy is both a virtue and a protective measure. It is also a wall.” 

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Release and Relief in Stand-up Comedy: Interview with Jackie Hoffart from Killjoy Comedy Season 2

Release and Relief in Stand-up Comedy: Interview with Jackie Hoffart from Killjoy Comedy Season 2

Vancouver director Shana Myara’s docuseries Killjoy Comedy about the future of comedy returns for a second season July 25 on OUTtv. 

This season will follow 5 stand-up queer and/or racialized comics and one improv duo who are challenging the narrow lens of traditional comedy. Interweaving footage from live performances with intimate interviews, Myara’s series showcases the comedians doing their thing on stage while delving into thoughtful stories behind the bits. What brings someone to comedy? And why does it matter that they’re here?

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