Print preview Close

Showing 74 results

Archival description
Item Video
Print preview View:

74 results with digital objects Show results with digital objects

Cycle! : show #9

Item is a recording of a CBC television show about bicycles and related topics hosted by Alan Shiveral and Charmane Crooks, featuring reporter Joan Jones. Topics of this episode include Vicious Cycle: Real Action Pictures (RAP) film about mountain biking; bicycle helmets; cycling website of the week; becoming a bicycle courier; trails and user conflict; trail tips: bunny hopping; bike trail of the week: Marathon, Ontario; commuting to work case study; layering for cycling in the winter; and using bicycles for work. Recognizable locations include the Endowment Lands, Cambie Street Bridge, Lions Gate Bridge, Chinatown, and downtown Vancouver.

Vancouver : a year in motion

Item is a videocassette containing interviews of photographers involved in a Vancouver Centennial comemmoration project.

In anticipation of the centennial year, Tom Sutherland and Cindy Bellamy worked with over fifty photographers to put together a photographic portrait book of Vancouver called “Vancouver: A Year in Motion”, intended to capture the face of the city at teh Centennial. Producer/director Craig Sawchuk followed and interviewed eight of the photographers for a documentary about the project.

The documentary follows Heather Dean, an aerial photographer, in a helicopter over Vancouver showing aerial views of the city including popular landmarks such as Canada Place, the Science Centre, BC Place, and the harbor. Sterling Ward spends some time photographing the development of the Expo 86 sites, a roller coaster, and some of the sculpture installations. Al Harvey takes candid shots at the beach during the polar bear swim and celebration on the first day on 1986. Colin Savage discusses remote control photography and swims with a dolphin and beluga whale at the Vancouver Aquarium with trainer Doug Pemberton. Albert Chin photographs a traditional Chinese lion ceremony for the opening of a new restaurant in Chinatown. Derik Murray was the official photographer of the Vancouver Canucks and the documentary follows him to a hockey game (Vancouver Canucks vs. Boston Bruins). Greg Athens does a photo shoot on Grouse Mountain with professional freestyle skier [Darryl Bowie]. Lloyd Sutton spends time on Granville Island photographing the local scenery, shops, and a glass blowing lesson/studio.

The documentary concludes with a scene of the photographers together going through the photos around a large table. The documentary is dedicated to Rick Hansen and concludes with footage of Hansen.

Sawchuk, Craig

Vancouver on the move

Item is a videocassette containing a documentary about the city of Vancouver.

The main focus of the documentary as a whole is the social and cultural life in the city and the relationship between the people and their surroundings in 1986, the centenary year. The visual elements are a combination of historical photographs, hand drawn illustrations, historical moving image footage, and moving image footage shot by the filmmakers between 1985 and 1986. Music with a narrator speaking in the foreground accompanies the visuals.

The early history of Vancouver is told through stories about George Vancouver naming point Grey and Burrard channel and meeting First Nations people, John Deighton (“Gassy Jack”) opening his saloon, the first city council meeting, and the arrival of the first CPR train from Montreal and ship from Yokohama.

The discussion of modern life in Vancouver that makes up the bulk of the documentary is roughly divided into sections. The first section discusses modern commerce, including shipping, transportation, forestry, fishing, and tourism. The second section discusses cultural life, including the natural beauty of Stanley Park, street scenes in Chinatown, the expo grounds and the SkyTrain, street musicians, children playing at a water park, and a football game at BC Place.

The third section focuses on the immigrant experience and how a diversity of cultures enriches life in the city. This point is illustrated with scenes of new Canadians at a citizenship ceremony, Tai Chi in Queen Elizabeth Park and Chinese dragons in Chinatown, the Nitobe Memorial Garden and the Powell Street Festival, a Sikh wedding and street scenes of Main Street in South Vancouver. It also explores the dark side of the immigrant experience, discussing the 1907 anti-Asian riots, the forced removal and internment of Japanese Canadians during World War II, and the Komagata Maru incident. The section also addresses Indigenous resistance and cultural resilience.

The fourth section deals with Vancouverites' love of being outside, with footage of outdoor aerobics and other fitness activities, relaxing on the beach and ‘being seen’, outdoor cocktail parties and dining, a family picnic in the park, outdoor theatre, and sailing.

Okexnon Films Inc.

Vancouver : city of century

Item is a videocassette containing a documentary about the city of Vancouver and Vancouver life, developed for the centennial celebrations. It includes a short introduction to the history of the city up to the 1920s using historical photographs, some film footage of First Nations peoples, and voiceover narrative.

The next section focuses on transportation, featuring scenes of airplanes, the BC ferry, the Seabus, the SkyTrain, ships in the harbour, steamboats, and cruise ships. The focus shifts towards nature and leisure activities as Stanley Park is explored with a historical photograph montage followed by film footage of park and aquarium scenes, including polar bears, penguins, river otters and killer whales. Grouse Mountain is illustrated through shots of the gondola, ski lift, and scenes of skiing. Other sport scenes include sailing ships, ocean and river kayaking, car races, bicycle races, horse races, hockey, football, boxing, golf, soccer and tennis. Life on the water is emphasised with a section on the bathtub race and associated celebrations, beach scenes, and a paddle boat tour around various Vancouver landmarks.

The next section contains a presentation of the centennial theme song ‘The Vancouver Song’ or ‘Vancouver (you'll always look like home to me)’ over a montage of scenes of the Expo Centre, the harbour, downtown, and Stanley Park.

The documentary concludes with scenes of the city at night, including Granville Island, Robson Square, neon signs downtown and at Chinese restaurants, the Expo Centre illuminated with Expo 86 lighting and shots of the sunset over the bay.

R.R. Productions

Old Vancouver 1948

Item is a home movie which documents Stanley Park and the outer harbour of Vancouver. It pictures pedestrians in Stanley Park and on the sea wall, and various animal exhibits in the Stanley Park Zoo in early spring, and includes pan views of the lighthouse and North Vancouver from the Stanley Park sea wall, the collapsed 2nd Narrows Bridge in the harbour (collapsed June 1958) and Navy ships.

The film documents the April 23, 1952 United Grain Growers fire from different angles and a different fire on the North Shore near Lion's Gate Bridge. The film also shows scenes of Queen Elizabeth Park in Spring with views of over Vancouver. The film ends with an airforce aerial show from a view on the ground in a field and one of "Vancouver's last streetcars" giving free rides on the Hastings East Line on April 24, 1955.

Stanley Park - Winter Skate - New Immigrant Arrived Airport

Item is a home movie which pictures Lions Gate Bridge from the Stanley Park side, the view from Coal Harbour, and outdoor skating and tennis in Lost Lagoon and/or Beaver Lake in the wintertime. The second half features immigrants disembarking at Vancouver airport, exiting United Air Lines' customs and immigrations and taking photographs. Lew Parry's Steet Metal Worker's Local 280 float sculpture is briefly filmed.

Segment titles as indicated on the original film leader are: Stanley Park + Harbour; Winter Skates; Harry; Nov Mel + Party; New Immigrant Arrives in Van. airport; Jean Chin Poy Lin; Mrs Chin Hong + Mrs. Chiu; Nen + Bing Chin; Go See Yow and Poon's Goddaughter.

Grandview Greenhouses

Item is a film which documents the Keefer Florist storefront and greenhouses. A gardener is filmed packaging plants and two women are filmed placing flowers on graves at Oceanview Cemetery (Burnaby). It appears to be an advertisement.

Chinook Club Picnic '62

Item is a home movie of people eating and playing relay games at a barbeque and picnic at the Chinook Fish and Game Club. The last minute is of people at Kitsilano beach.

Poon Curious - Spring Time Bathing Beauty - Easter Lilies

Item is a film is of a young woman holding two Chinese dolls, followed by long shots of decorative porcelain figurines in a house. Next, Marilyn Norgaard models with daffodils for a photographer. Two cards with a photograph of Norgaard read "Spring is here almost! Marilyn got into the spirit of it all and posed happily for Cameramam!"

Barkerville Town and Show

Item is a film depicting a visit to Barkerville. It starts with an image of a wooden structure and a sign that explains that it is a recreation of the pumps used in Cornish tin mines.This is followed by El Dorado Placer Mine, operated by the Barkerville Advisory Committee of the provincial Parks Branch, in Barkerville Historic Town. Tourists are filmed panning in troughs of water and walking around the historic buildings. Inside the exhibits, wax figures have been set in domestic scenes. A crowd of people is filmed waiting to see Gold Fever at a building called the Theatre Royal. Inside, female dancers and a male musician are filmed performing on a stage.

Ernie and Eva's Wedding

Item is a home movie of a wedding. A bride and groom speak in front of what appear to be wedding presents. They are filmed leaving the house with the family while someone sets off fireworks before they all drive to the ceremony. Part of the ceremony in the church is filmed before the family is again pictured leaving and arriving at the reception hall. The bride and groom pose for photographs before the reception. There is a reception line followed by clips of speeches, dancing and socializing.

Shriners Parade '51

Item is a home movie depicting a Shriner parade. The camera person stands in the crowd while Shriner men march past in regiments and bands or ride on car floats. Hastings Street and the Patricia Hotel are identifiable.

Mother and child - early 1950s

Item is a home movie of two women holding a baby and opening gifts with baby clothes. Then the baby is shown as a toddler crawling around a carpet and playing with toys. Later the woman and child pose to be photographed in front of a Christmas tree and piano.

Beverly - Engagement Party and Wedding

Item is a home movie of an engagement party and wedding. The film begins with people arriving at the engagement party and Chinese tea ceremony. The bride is filmed in her house and driving with her family to the church. The ceremony is filmed from above and behind. The family then travels to the reception hall where the bride and groom are photographed with their family. There is a reception line, speeches, and dancing.

Keefer Florist Co. Under Construction

Item is a home movie which documents the renovation of Keefer Florist Company building at 215 Keefer Street. It pictures the placement of the beams and walls, the cement flooring and ceiling, and the installation of window and lighting, followed by painting and paving of the exterior, and installation of the store sign,

Lady Lynn Fishing Trips - Tom Fowlers - Keith Fishing - Mt. Seymour - Joe Poon - Deep Cove - Galiano Island - Lady Lynn - Charlie Woods - Wellington Lee Fishing

Item is a film showing the inaugural journey of Lady Lynn, a small fishing boat. The boat is driven through Vancouver to the docks, where it is placed into the water. The film shows multiple fishing trips with friends and family to Deep Cove, Galiano Island, and other places likely in and around the Burrard Inlet. There is footage of travelling along the water north of Stanley Park, under the Lions Gate Bridge, passing by the light house at Brockton Point, and around the marine gas stations in Coal Harbour. There is also footage of the Mount Seymour Coffee Bar and the Galiano Lodge.

Jasper National Park - Edmonton - Banff - Lake Louise - Tommy Jang emergency ward - Keefer Wholesale under construction and grand opening

Item is a family film containing scenes of a family vacation throughout Alberta, including Jasper National Park, Edmonton, Calgary, Banff National Park and Lake Louise. The film also documents the construction at Keefer Wholesale Florist at 310 Prior Street. Pre-formed concrete slabs are lifted and tilted to make the walls of a building. The construction process also documents the various companies working on the building: Lift and Tilt Concrete, Delta Masonry, B.C. Conveying Machinery, Viking Automatic Sprinkler. The final section of the film shows the opening ceremony of Keefer Wholesale with people gathering, a band playing, speeches (silent), and dancing.

P.N.E. Parades 50, 51, 52, 53, and 56 - P.N.E. Ground [s] 60 and 61

Item is a film showing P.N.E. parades and the P.N.E. grounds. The film contains footage of parade floats, cheerleaders, marching bands, Mounties and Shriners. The film also shows crowds gathered in downtown Vancouver, and features the surrounding buildings and landmarks, likely on Hastings Street. The film contains candid shots of the P.N.E. grounds including P.N.E. visitors boarding amusement park rides, participating in arcade games, eating at concession stands, looking at attractions and attending the horse races.

Horseshoe Bay - Porpoise Bay

Item is a film showing the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal area including footage of construction at the terminal, cars loading on the ferry and the ferry departing from the terminal. The film also contains footage of people digging with shovels around a rural cabin property. There is also footage of docks and water, possibly at Porpoise Bay or Tillicum Bay.

L[as] V[egas] and Air Travel to Van. Airport - Sept, 1973 and UBC Japanese Garden

Item is a film showing travel to the Las Vegas strip including hotels, casinos and desert. Film also contains air travel footage showing airport security, flight attendants serving beverages and aerial views of the US and San Francisco. Towards the end of the film, there is footage of the Vancouver Airport from the plane, and the arrivals terminal. The film ends with footage of the UBC Japanese Garden (Nitobe?) and parking lot.

Seens [scenes] of Van[couver], Capilano, Stanley Park

Item is a film showing various scenes around Vancouver. The first half of this film documents a Gray Line Tours bus trip through Vancouver and second half contains scenes showing landmarks of Vancouver and surrounding areas. Film contains footage showing: Empress of Japan Figurehead in Stanley Park, U.B.C., Chinatown, Hotel Georgia, Lion's Gate Bridge, Court House, Capilano Suspension Bridge, Capilano Golf and Country Club, Prospect Point, Stanley Park, views of downtown and North Shore Mountains from Little Mountain, City Hall, sailboats in Burrard Inlet, and Swimmers at Kits Beach.

1958 : A year to remember

Item is a film containing highlights of British Columbia's centennial year in Vancouver. Includes shots of an antique car parade, a tall ship at dock, naval vessels, street decorations in Vancouver, Chinese Freemasons parade (with drill team, dragon dance, etc.), a powwow, horse racing at Exhibition Park, PNE parade, and the last of the region's interurban streetcars. Film also includes footage showing the aftermath of the Second Narrows Bridge collapse.

Chinese National Conven[tion] 9-7-75

Item is a film showing the Chinese National Convention taking place at the Chinese Freemasons Building at 5 West Pender Street. Film contains footage of people gathered in a room delivering speeches, followed by a banquet.

Grey Cup parades

Item is film containing footage of the Grey Cup parades in 1955 and 1958 on Hastings Street. Film shows parade floats, automobiles, Shriners, Miss Grey Cup winners, CFL floats, marching bands, RCMP and cheerleaders.

P.N.E. Grounds - Stanley Park - Picnic Party

Item is a film containing footage of the PNE grounds including rides, concession, and shows. Film also contains scenes of Stanley Park, Prospect Point, the Lions Gate Bridge and picnic scenes with family. Individuals in the film include: Mr. and Mrs. Poon, Mrs. Jack, Mr. and Mrs. Gum Lowe and Deby, Mr. and Mrs. Keith Chan, Judy.

[Boundary] Bay - [Tsawwassen] Ferry - Gee How Oak Tin Assn - Nature Bridge of Yoho Park - Lake [Louise] - Rogers Pass - Can Alpine Aqua

Item is a film containing footage of the Chin family collecting driftwood at the beach, views from aboard the ferry and of the Tsawwassen ferry terminal, a gathering of the Gee How Oak Tin association in the Chin Wing Chun building, exterior shots of storefronts on the 500 block of Main street, vacation footage in Yoho Park, Lake Louise and Roger's Pass and scenes in the Alpine Aqua canning factory.

Gee How Oak Tin Bene. Assn Convention (18th) in Chicago Ill., Sept 15th 1970 - Chinook Club Picnic in Cates Park N. Van June 1970

Item is a film showing the Gee How Oak Tin Benevolent Association convention at the Chicago chapter, firecrackers and lion dancers in front of the Chicago Chinese Benevolent Association, indoor museum scenes (possibly in Chicago), exterior and parking lot of the Vancouver Museum and the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, an outdoor barbecue with games at a park with the sign "Chin-ook Fish and Game Club".

Keith Chan House Party - Poon Leong Family - Bob Lee and Mrs. Chan - Henry Young - Fraser Bridge Exhibit Park - Chin Nin Farm Winter Scene

Item is a film containing footage of a Christmas party at Keith Chan's house, Vancouver City Hall festive lights at night, a party with people gathering in a living room and kitchen, snowy scene at Vancouver's Exhibition Park on Renfrew street, a frozen river and bridge, a farm setting, people skating and playing ice hockey on a frozen pond.

Stanley Park and [North] Shore - Horseshoe Bay and Malahat Hwy. - Mr. and Mrs. Tom Fowlers to Victoria - returned to Vancouver

Item is a film showing the view from inside an automobile travelling the road along the Stanley Park causeway and going across the Lions Gate Bridge towards the North Shore. Film contains scenes from within the car, the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal, aboard the ferry, scenes along the Malahat highway, Duncan, Ladysmith, Malahat Lookout, Victoria Auto Court Motel. The film concludes with a return trip to Vancouver, driving across the Granville Street Bridge, through downtown and across a viaduct.

Lady Kee Van Luncheon - Whaling Station at Coal Harbour - River Inlet - Knight Inlet - Jervis Inlet

Item is a film showing the boat (“Lady Keevan”) loaded from a dry dock at Main and Union Streets to a truck to be transported to the water. Film also shows a whale being pulled from the water onto a dock and is cut apart, dock at Telegraph Cove, scenes on the water at River, Knight and Jervis Inlets, and the exterior of the Malibu Club House at Egmont, B.C.

Our Home Winter - Summer On The Way Our Home - Our Home 1953 - Gay Sing - Davidson - Xmas 52 Pen, Ron, Nor, Mel - Mom Birthday - Herbert Jang Par.

Item is a film showing various scenes at 1118 Powell Street including shoveling snow in front yard, mowing the lawn, teenagers and adults inside house on Christmas, a birthday party and a snowball fight. The film includes many shots of the B.C. Sugar refinery building across the street from the house 1118 Powell Street.

Immigration Building - flower display - Harbour Tower scenery - night view of Vancouver

Item is a film narrated by Harry Lin Chin in both Chinese and English. Film contains footage showing the demolition of the Immigration Building, magnolia trees, Vancouver Museum and parking lot, Vanier Park, Burrard Street Bridge, views of North Shore and West End from Vanier Park, views of North Shore, Burrard Inlet, Chinatown, and downtown Vancouver from the revolving Harbour Tower restaurant, and scenes aboard the sea bus.

Parade on Pender Street and dance performances

Item is a film showing a parade on Pender Street with people dancing and walking with banners, as well as a scene with a group posing for photographs. The second part of the film shows dance performances on an indoor stage. Writing on box suggests the performances are by the Strathcona Folk Dance group and a dance group visiting from China.

A Classical Chinese Garden

Item is a promotional film developed to help raise awareness and support for the development of the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden, which had not yet been built. The narration throughout is illustrated with relevant still imagery, which is a combination of photography of Chinese gardens, classical Chinese artwork, and images related to the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen garden project, such as architectural plans and photos of the artisans. The narration discusses the history of the garden in China, beginning with the great gardens of the emperors, and distinguishing them from Japanese or English gardens. The history of the Suzhou scholar’s garden is explored, with an emphasis on the Garden of the Master of the Fishing Nets. It also discusses the planning and design of the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen garden, and the architects and artisans who will build it, with a focus on the various design features of a Chinese garden, including Taoist and landscape painting influences, and the various benefits and enjoyments a garden delivers. The film concludes with a call for membership and donations to the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden society, and discusses the benefits of membership.

Gong xi fa cai

Item is a documentary that uses photographs and voice over narration to tell the story of how Chinese New Year came about and how it is celebrated, traditionally, in Vancouver, and at the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen garden. The documentary begins with a presentation of the Chinese zodiac: its origins, associated animals, and how it works. Next is a discussion of Chinese New Year traditions, what they mean, and how they are celebrated, including: Family feasts, Door Gods, red paper door hangers, the family reunion dinner, the importance of avoiding unlucky word or actions, the children’s game of watch the clock, family visiting, red paper envelopes given as gifts, broken day, lion dances, and parades. The feature concludes with a discussion of how the New Year is celebrated at the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen gardens, with photos of a lantern parade, firecrackers, ceremonial offerings, and traditional Chinese music, dance, and entertainment.

The Strathcona porch project

Item is a documentary film about the neighbourhood of Strathcona, its history, and a project to promote the beautification/renovation of many of the front porches of the neighbourhood.

The film is divided into four sections. The first section (The Strathcona neighbourhood) is a history of the neighbourhood, and discusses a twenty year renovation ban and the effects it had on the community. It includes footage of many Strathcona houses and porches before the renovations, street scenes of Chinatown and the general neighbourhood, Strathcona community garden, Strathcona School, local community centre, Buddhist temple, East Pender Street, the Strathcona Ukrainian Hall, Hawks Avenue, Keefer Street, and East Georgia Street. The second section (History and process) is a history of the Porch project and an explanation of how it works. It includes an interview with Nora Kelly, from the Strathcona Residents Association, in which she discusses the history of the project, and a short clip from the news program Chinatown Today (1994-04-24). The third section (Getting down to work) is a review of the project results. It discusses the conditions for selecting houses appropriate for the project, how the funding worked, and the execution of the renovations. These subjects are illustrated with footage of porches before renovation, during demolition, and during the renovation process. It also includes interviews about the renovation with homeowner Paul Burke, Judy Oberlander (Porch Project Heritage Planner), and several unnamed contractors. The fourth section (Results) discusses the outcomes of the renovation efforts. It includes footage of completed porch restorations and an interview with Paul Burke about the effect of the restoration on his home.

Baghead creation myth

Item is an amateur video recording of a theatrical presentation by a grade 5 class from Hastings School, filmed in the courtyard in front of the main hall. The presentation is a creation myth story in which a trickster monkey builds dolls out of mud which are then animated by thunder and lightning. These ‘bagheads’ travel between several worlds and encounter various strange creatures before finding the perfect world and removing their masks to become the first people. Presentation includes footage of the spectators and teachers.

Opening of garden

Item is a collection of four news clips about the opening of the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen gardens. Each clip includes footage of the newly opened gardens and general narration about the garden. Clip 1: CBC, Evening News, April 24, 1986. Presenter: Bill Good. Clip 2: Ici Radio-Canada Télé (CBC) news program ‘Ce Soir’. Presenter: Mario Hinse (in French). Clip 3: BCTV News Hour. Presenter: Tony Parsons. Camera: Paul Rowan. Reporter: Michael McCardell. This clip includes short interview with Charles McDermott (Project Manager). Clip 4: CBC, Midday with Presenter: Bill Good. Reporter: Karen Webb. This clip includes footage from the opening, including short speeches from Pat Carney (MP – Vancouver Centre) and Yu Zhan (Chinese Ambassador).

People will talk

The item is a recording of a segment of a longer news program called ‘People Will Talk’ hosted by Laurier LaPierre on the subject of the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese garden. The segment is in two main parts, the first part is a report by David Kincaid which includes footage of the construction of the gardens and later footage of the gardens in their completed state. Narration accompanying the footage describes the history of the classical Chinese garden in general, the construction efforts, and the goals of the final project, and some of the theories around the art form of the classical Chinese garden.

The second part is an interview with Sue Yung Li, a landscape architect and filmmaker from San Francisco. They discuss the role of the classical Chinese garden in Chinese culture as a source of artistic inspiration, the difference between a Chinese and a Japanese garden, the importance of rock and water in the garden, the accessibility of these kinds of gardens to the western audience. They also discuss elements of Li’s personal life, footage of the construction of the gardens and later footage of the gardens in their completed state.

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen garden - a friendly bridge

Item is a documentary on the construction of the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen garden. The first section discusses the development of the classical garden in Suzhou, its history, and its purposes. This narration is illustrated with footage of morning scenes of streets and parks, the Yangzi River, and several gardens in the city. The second and much longer section covers the construction of the Vancouver garden. Footage of the construction is combined with narration describing the process; with emphasis throughout placed on how little the construction of the garden has changed since the Song Dynasty in the use of hand tools, traditional building methods, and traditional materials.

Specific stages of construction examined are the importing of the materials from China, the construction of the pillars and the assembling of the pavilions, clay tile roofing and roof finishing, the placement of Lake Tai rocks and the thin tall stones, the courtyard paving and internal tiling, the ‘leak window’ construction, and the construction and finishing work of the screens and railings in the carpentry shop. Also included is a short interview with Joe Wai, project architect, in which he discusses the background of the garden project. The documentary concludes with footage of the opening ceremony with a Chinese delegation, and footage of the completed garden.

Gong xi fa cai (happy new year)

Item is a photo montage with narration in Cantonese. The photos displayed represent traditional Chinese new year traditions and celebrations. Included are Lion dances, the zodiac, the Chinese calendar, street scenes of shopkeepers, fruit, flowers, family scenes with a holiday meal, and red envelopes.

Garden of ease

Item is a documentary film about the Taoist meanings of various elements of the design in the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen garden. The film opens with a street scene of Chinese New Year, including lion dances, firecrackers, and a parade. The main film is an interview with James Yu, the maintenance coordinator of the garden. He discusses the contrasting elements (yin and yang), the different kinds of plants (plum, bamboo, and pine), the leak windows, the upturned eves, and the reflections in the water, and then presents a Taoist interpretation of each of them. The narration is supplemented with film footage of the gardens illustrating each point in turn. The film concludes with more footage of garden views and details.

Inside the circle, outside the square

Item is a montage video of photographs of the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen gardens with musical accompaniment. The film begins with images of street scenes in Chinatown, focusing on neon lights, nightlife, and shops. The visuals segue into peaceful scenes of the gardens, focusing primarily on the views of the garden through the leak windows and screens, the curved roofs of the pavilions, the water and reflections, and the patterned paving stones.

Refreshment for the Heart

Item is a documentary film about the construction of the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Gardens. It is divided into two sections: the first section is a discussion of the classical Chinese gardens in Suzhou while the second, much longer, section discusses the construction of the gardens in Vancouver. It uses footage filmed during the construction process, descriptive narration, and short segments of an interview with Joe Wai, one of the project architects.

The documentary opens with narration about the importance of water to the region and the history of the region, illustrated with footage of boating and agricultural life. The city of Suzhou is introduced with narrated scenes of the city, canals, and tourist destinations. Next the film explores a few of Suzhou’s famous gardens. The gardens discussed are: The Master of Fish Nets Garden, The Humble Administrator’s Garden, Lion Grove Garden, and The Lingering Garden. The film then concludes this section with a discussion of design elements and the Taoist elements of each feature.

The film then moves to Vancouver, beginning with footage of famous city landmarks and city views (e.g. Lions Gate Bridge, Canada Place, the Skytrain) with an emphasis on the modern technological nature of the city. Street scenes of Chinatown are the backdrop to a discussion of the history of Chinese people in Canada, the development of the Chinese Cultural center, and the pre-construction process of getting the approval and funding to build the garden. Discussion of the construction of the garden focuses on the Suzhou artisans who built the garden according to traditional means, emphasising the use of traditional tools, building methods, and materials. This is illustrated with footage of moving the Lake Tai rocks by hand and placing them into position.

Tthe film talks about the artisans, with scenes of the builders socialising at a banquet, singing, and playing table tennis. The documentary then focuses on the finishing touches and role they play in the finished garden. The documentary concludes with the official opening ceremony with dignitaries and the artisans followed by footage of the completed garden.

The Associates

Item is a recording of a segment of a television program called ‘The Associates’. The segment features interviewer Stuart McNish interviewing Janice Clarfield, the Executive Director of the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden. Subjects discussed include a brief history of the garden, the building of the garden, where the materials and artisans came from, and the purpose of a garden of this nature. Footage of the garden is used to prompt a discussion of various features, including the use of colour in the garden, the main elements of the garden, specific elements such as the roofing tiles, drip tiles, curved eves, paving stones, Lake Tai stones, the different ways to view the garden, the symbolism of garden elements, and the role of the garden wall. The interview concludes with a discussion about outreach activities and volunteer opportunities.

The push hands video manual, volume 1

Item is an instructional video teaching the four hands technique of push hands Tai Chi. The introduction and the conclusion of the video are filmed in the courtyard of the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden, and include footage of the courtyard, paving stones, surrounding rocks, leak windows, and other architectural elements.

The bridge of five thousand miles

Item is a video photo montage ‘walking tour’ of the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden, narrated by Mary White. The film discusses the history of Chinese gardens and the history of the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen garden, including a discussion of the construction materials and techniques, and the artisans who built it. Different architectural elements of the garden are considered, and their function and meaning discussed. The philosophical elements of garden construction as an art form are discussed throughout.

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden Society

Results 1 to 50 of 74