Plot

Two granddaughters explore the legacy of their grandmothers-resilient women who championed family reunification, rooted the Chinese Canadian community, and paved the way for multiculturalism in Canada.

Plot Summary: Exclusion: Beyond the Silence is a poignant feature documentary that explores the enduring impact of Canada's 1923 Exclusion Act on generations of Chinese Canadian families. Through the personal stories of two granddaughters, Keira Loughran and Helen Lee, the film delves into the legacies of their grandmothers - trailblazers who fought for family reunification and laid the groundwork for Canada's policy of multiculturalism. Directed by Keira Loughran, the documentary follows the duo as they journey across Canada and to rural Guangdong Province in China, uncovering the resilience and sacrifices of their ancestors. The narrative sheds light on the inter-generational trauma caused by discriminatory immigration policies, while celebrating the cultural contributions of the Chinese Canadian community. This compelling untold story is a timely reflection on identity, heritage, and the enduring power of family.—Craig Thompson

Exclusion: Beyond the Silence is a feature documentary that reveals the human impact of a discriminatory immigration policy that caused lasting intergenerational trauma to Chinese Canadians, their culture and family life.

It is the story of two granddaughters on a quest to revisit the legacy of their respective grandmothers - women of indomitable spirit who fought for family reunification, establishing permanent roots for the Chinese Canadian community and paving the way for Canada's policy of multiculturalism.

The film is directed by Keira Loughran, a fourth-generation Chinese Canadian theatre actor and director. Her grandmother was Jean Lumb, the first Chinese Canadian woman to be honoured with the Order of Canada. Keira is joined by Helen Lee whose grandmother, Foon Hay Lum, who, at 111, was the oldest Canadian to die of COVID-19 in the early days of the pandemic.

Together, Helen and Keira travel across Canada to learn how the Exclusion Act impacted generations of Chinese Canadian families. The journey ultimately takes them to Guangdong Province in rural southern China, where they connect with relatives they've never met before.

It's an extraordinary untold story and a timely reminder of the struggle and sacrifice of Chinese Canadians and their contribution to society.

Produced by Craig Thompson. Executive Producers Craig Thompson, Wei Hu, Justin Poy, Peter Raymont. Exclusion: Beyond the Silence is Produced by Ballinran Entertainment with the participation of Telus Independent, BC's Knowledge Network, Rogers OMNI, YES TV, Canada Media Fund, Rogers Documentary Fund, Ontario Creates and the Government of Canada Film and Television Tax Credits.