Showing 111 results

Archival description
Vancouver (B.C.) Video With digital objects
Print preview View:

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.

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

China garden

Item is a short documentary exploration of the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen gardens with a meditative, philosophical, and poetic approach. The narrator speaks about some of the essential elements of a classical Chinese garden: Water, Rock (Mountains), and Buildings, followed by recitations of poetry by Ge Gong and Tao-yün. The occasional narration is accompanied by zheng music and a selection of garden scenes that illustrate many of the different ‘views’ of the garden that are relevant to the narration. Special attention is given to the flow of water over the rocks, the railings, screens, and leak windows, and a high vantage point view of the whole garden from the mountaintop pavilion.

1991 - Year of the sheep (ram), Chinese New Year - Parade, Vancouver, B.C.

Item is an amateur home movie of the 1991 Chinese New Year’s parade in Vancouver. It includes footage of the parade from East Pender Street outside the Chinese Cultural Centre and from Keefer Street just outside the entrance to the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Gardens. Also included is footage of vendors and tables inside the Chinese Cultural Centre, scenes of families inside the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Gardens, primarily inside the main pavilion, a view of the water and railings, and through the moon doorway.

The parade footage contains a variety of traditional Chinese elements, such as lion dancers, Chinese dragons, firecrackers, flags, dancing, music, and costumes. Some of the identifiable groups in the parade are: Cheerleaders from Steveston Secondary School, Children from J. W. Sexsmith Elementary School, Dancers from Strathcona Chinese Dance Co., the Freddy Fudd[pucker] band, Boy Scouts and Girl Guides of Canada, St. John’s Ambulance Cadets, Tibet Lama Kung-Fu, and the Western Canada Chinese Martial Arts Association.

Exploring Vancouver’s Chinatown

Item is an educational video produced by the Vancouver School Board for use with a textbook entitled ‘Exploring Vancouver’s Chinatown: A Resource Guide’. The film has no narration, but a background score with Chinese instruments, and scene noise in some places. It opens with footage of the sun rising over Chinatown from a rooftop vantage point. It lingers on vendors and storefronts preparing to open, a Tai Chi class in the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden’s main pavilion, Tai Chi in a local park, scenes of residential streets, houses, schools, and playgrounds. The film includes footage of a variety of local businesses, such as a barbershop, an apothecary, a school, calligraphy, tailor, fire department, auto repair, and a newspaper printer. It concludes with footage of the musicians playing the background music and street scenes of the sun setting over Chinatown.

Harmony in a garden

Item is a short documentary tour of the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden with a focus on the philosophical Taoist elements. It discusses how each of the four major garden elements (buildings, rocks, plants, and water) is represented in the garden, and explains some features in the context of Taoist balance and function. This discussion is illustrated with footage of the relevant elements and Chinese style background music.

Red’s Classic Theatre, Sunday Sept. 29, 1991

Item is a copy of the production elements of the 1991-09-29 episode of Red’s Classic Theatre. This program was a presentation of the classic film ‘Butterfield 8’ with host Red Robinson. Robinson introduced the movie at the beginning, and interleaved trivia and interest segments after the commercial breaks and at the end. This episode was filmed in the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden, and includes eight segments. The first three segments introduce the garden and present small trivia andgarden footage. The later segments are primarily focused on movie trivia and show related issues, but include the garden as a backdrop. After the eight main segments are additional broadcast pieces which also contain the garden: four bumpers, four long promos, and two teaser length promos for the episode and the feature film.

Romper room and friends, March 6, 1990

Item is a recording of two segments of the Canadian national production of Romper Room and Friends, from March 6, 1990, set in the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Gardens. In first of the two segments, storyteller Nan Gregory tells a Chinese folktale about a ‘goose girl’ that wants to fly. The audience consists of four unidentified children and Fran Pappert, and takes place in the Scholar’s courtyard. The second segment is a tour of the garden with guide Donna Chan, program hostess Fran Pappert, the character ‘DoBee’, and the children from the first segment. The tour begins in the China maple pavilion courtyard with a focus on the Taihu natural rock sculptures, the courtyard pavement stones, the trees, rock caves, and waterfalls. It continues up to the observation pavilion, and down to the Jade Water Pavilion, through the moon gate, where the group feeds the koi.

Jan Walls - storytelling in the garden

Item is an amateur recording of a lecture/performance in the main hall of the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden by Dr. Jan Walls on the subject of humorous Chinese folk storytelling. The general theme of the lecture was drawing parallels between the low class ‘vulgar’ folk stories and the high class classicism of the gardens, with emphases on the themes of surprise, perspective, exaggeration and distortion of size and time, and the distinction between fantasy and reality. For each short story he presents it (or a piece of it) in Mandarin first, and then presents a translation in English, often with the accompaniment of kuai ban, traditional bamboo clapping instruments.

The stories presented include a story about a man who lives a whole lifetime in a year, a giant woman with even more giant shoes, a country bumpkin at a birthday celebration, illustrations of beggar storyteller themes, and a ‘dummy’ paying a new year’s visit to his in-laws. Following the lecture there is a question period which covers subjects of self-deprecation, storytelling beggars, poetic elements (e.g. metaphor, rhyme, rhythm, and alliteration), and personal questions about Dr. Walls own experiences. The lecture is bookended with an introduction and thanks by [Nilene Yaas], the education coordinator of the garden.

Linking schools with the community

Item is a promotional film developed to support and promote the Vancouver School Board’s Partners in Education program. The film presents testimonials and success stories from various businesses and schools who have taken advantage of the program, discussing what benefits the partnered schools and businesses were able to bring to each other. The film begins with school administrators and business people talking about the program. The film then presents a number of success stories with various business and schools. The partnerships profiled include: The Port of Vancouver, Chevron Canada, Unisys Canada Inc., University Hospital, the Dr. Sun Yat-Yat Sen Classical Chinese Gardens, the Champlain Mall, the Pan Pacific Hotel, and Vancouver Community College.

The film involves testimonials and short interviews with a number of teachers, school administrators, and business: Jim Matkin (President, BC Business Council), Sheila Tripp (School Principal), Ken Haycock (School Principal), Ken Harvey (Director, Vancouver School Board), Dr. Dante Lupini (Superintendent of Schools, Vancouver), Gwen Smith (School Principal), Barbara Duggan (Vancouver Port Corporation), Gary Ryan (Chevron Canada Ltd), Bill Strachan (Chevron Canada Ltd), Neil Prinsen (Teacher), Maris Pavelson (Unisys Canada Inc.), Sheila Tripp (School Principal), Arlene Cook (Teacher), Lesley Bainbridge (University Hospital), Diane Bolton (Champlain Mall), Joyce Anderson (School Principal), Anne Shorthouse (Program Manager, VSB), Gail Smith (Program Manager, VSB), and Darcy Rezak (Vancouver Board of Trade).

It's your life

Item is a television program in which Sandra Samartino performs yoga in the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. The production is accompanied by repeating electronic music, but there is no narration. The yoga poses are set against the rocks, moon gates, lattice work, pavilions, and often presented only reflected in the water.

V.R.B. dead or alive?

Item is a Channel 10 documentary about the Vancouver Resources Board (VRB) and Bill 65, which would abolish the VRB. The intention of the program is to save the VRB. David Schrek, regional manager of the VRB, describes the board's services, as well as tho

Neighbourhood Improvement Program (part one)

Item is part one of a Channel 10 documentary about the Neighbourhood Improvement Program (NIP) and how its funds are used to make improvements in the Kitsilano community. The program includes background information on NIP, its organization, functions, ass

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.

Highlights of 1938

Item is a videocassette transfer copy of a 1938 amateur motion picture film depicting a year retrospective for 1938 for the Adam family. The film depicts the family's new house (5689 Angus Drive, W. 40th Ave); travelled on the RMS Queen Mary from New York City to Southampton, England; prepared their yacht for the season; went on holiday to Qualicum Beach, Montague Harbour, and Deep Bay; moved into their new house; and had a baby.

The film also includes local events: construction of the Lion?s Gate Bridge; CPR pier D after being destroyed by fire; burning of a local ice and cold storage plant along with the efforts of firefighters to extinguish the blaze. Other locations visible in the film include Pier 54 in New York, Coal Harbour, the Marine Building and the Royal Bank Building in Vancouver.

Adam, Joseph Cowan

Vancouver honeymoon

Film is a travelogue showcasing scenery, attractions and industry in the Vancouver area. Film contains general and aerial views of Vancouver, plus sequences of the harbour, Vancouver International Airport, Stanley Park, UBC, the Vancouver International Festival and the PNE. Industry is depicted through shots of a sawmill, a fish cannery, a foundry and a shipyard (where the vessel Yukon is launched). Water sports, golf and skiing at Grouse Mountain are shown, as well as Queen Elizabeth Park, Capilano Suspension Bridge, the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Granville Street at night and a White Spot drive-in. Individuals involved with the production of the film include: Jim Richardson (script), David Bennett (director), A.J.H. Pullinger (cinematography), Norma Jackson (editing), Lloyd Stump (sound), Saba Bros. Limited (gowns), Marguerite Roozeboom (art direction), recorded by Telesound, Lew Perry (producer).

Vancouver Jubilee

Item is a promotional film showing the Diamond Jubilee celebration events, a brief history of Vancouver and concludes with footage of Vancouver after 1945. The film shows historical photographs of Vancouver and focuses on various aspects of development in Vancouver including industry, media, communications, transportation, power plants, city planning, city governance, tourism and architecture.

The film was commissioned by the Vancouver Jubilee Publicity Committee and later sponsored by the British Columbia Electric Company Ltd.

Individuals involved in the creation of the film include: John Young (Director of Photography), L.E. Weekes (Cameraman), Maureen Balfe (Editor), Gordon Inglis and Margaret Jestley (Narrators), C. Fredenburgh (Lighting), L.M. Parry (Producer), William D. Dix (Director)

This film is a re-print made by the Vancouver Museum in the late 1970's for a program called "Vancouver's Heritage in Film".

Trans-Canada Films

Alaskan Scenery and the Chinese Exhibit at Vancouver's Golden Jubilee

Item is a moving image/film documenting a Chinese performance at Vancouver's Golden Jubilee celebration that includes a theatrical stage show, a trapeze artist, and moving images of the Chinese Arch erected at Pender Street near Carrall Street. There are also images of an unknown beach. This section is preceded by the title frame: Chinese Exhibit Golden Jubilee at Vancouver, B.C.. Film also includes footage taken from a passanger ship moving up the Alaskan coast. The stops are separated by the title frames: Ketchikan, Alaska; Castle Rock; and Peril Straits.

Horse races and Shetland Ponies, Virginia and Family

Item is a film containing footage of a pageant, people riding horses and ponies, the Capilano Suspension Bridge and surrounding area, the Capilano River valley and surrounding trails, orchestra at Malkin Bowl, a picnic, children playing in backyard and wading pool (possibly at 3846 West 10th), May Day Parade in downtown Vancouver, Stanley Park gardens, George Vancouver statue and City Hall campus, Vancouver skyline view from City Hall and children playing in grassy area.

1960 Alert Bay - Trip to Victoria Sept. '60

Item is a film showing Alert Bay, a trip to Victoria and Weir's Beach on Vancouver Island, Elk Falls, Sproat Lake, Grey Cup Parade, Easter 1961 in Portland, Canadian Memorial United Church Sunday School Picnic at Peace Arch Park, summer at South Beach, fishing, Wayne McCuaig's tenth birthday party, family holiday to Kelowna and the boys that lived on W. 22nd Ave.

Baseball '64

Item is a film showing various home movie scenes with the McCuaig family members and dog (Jocko) at home and at the cabin with friends, new Valiant convertible, Vincent Kendan McCuaig flying a plane, over the cabin and later over Seattle, Ucluelet and Tofino, moving to new home at 5078 Marguerite Street, Patricia McCuaig's debut at the Military Ball in 1966, water skiing and fishing.

1st Narrows Bridge

Item is a color film which details the steps involved in constructing the Lions Gate Bridge (First Narrows Bridge) across the First Narrows of the Burrard Inlet (Vancouver, B.C.) in 1937 and 1938. The film, which appears to be professionally produced, captures the entire construction and assembly process, including the cutting of a road through Stanley Park, preparation of cofferdams and caissons, foundation pouring, erection of the main towers, hoisting and attaching cables, insertion of stiffening trusses, bridge surface pouring, application of protective paint, and other finishing touches, including the installation of sculptor Charles Marega's lions. The film also captures shots of key contributors A.J.T. Taylor and John Anderson, as well as the first cars to cross the span from end to end.

Capilano

Item is a promotional film for the British Properties Limited, Capilano Estates containing title cards. The film shows the properties including houses, the golf course, the tool house, the club house and surrounding landscape. The film also shows the clearing of land by British Properties.

Results 1 to 50 of 111