May is Asian Heritage Month in Canada.  It is a time to come together as community, family, and friends to reflect on and celebrate the contributions that Canadians of Asian descent have made and continue to make to the growth and prosperity of Canada.

This year, Brandon University will host a screening of the Disney Pixar film “Turning Red,” featuring a question-and-answer period with BU professor Dr. Alison Marshall, who was a cultural contributor to the film.  

“Turning Red” is an acclaimed animated feature released last year. Young actress Rosalie Chiang lends her voice to Mei Lee, a 13-year-old who suddenly “poofs” into a giant red panda when she gets too excited (which is practically ALWAYS). Sandra Oh voices Mei Lee’s protective, if not slightly overbearing mother, Ming, who is never far from her daughter—an unfortunate reality for the teenager.

“I was part of the film since the early animation phases and helped shape key cultural elements in the film to help ensure cultural authenticity and positive portrayals,” said Marshall, who has written extensively on Chinatowns and Chinese Canadian history, and who in 2021 was awarded a Volunteer Manitoba award for her work on the subject.

There is free admission for the screening and discussion, which will begin at 6 p.m. Discussion will include the cultural components and inclusive vision this movie represents. It will look at the layers of the film such as migration, racism and discrimination, and the importance of diversity and inclusion. All ages are welcome.

Ample parking is available in the BU lots, which are free after 4:30 p.m. There will be snacks available for purchase (cash only) from Evans volunteers.

Accessibility Considerations?

Please contact Cheryl Fleming flemingc@brandonu.ca if you require this information in an alternate format or have any other accessibility needs or concerns regarding the event.