Joshua Frank

Into the Island is the first chapter of Groundwork, a three-part film and exhibition series exploring the conceptual development and field research of contemporary architects cultivating alternative modes of engagement with new project sites.

All across the globe, Chinatowns are under threat of disappearing – and along with them, the rich history of a community who fought from the margins for a place to belong. Big Fight in Little Chinatown documents the collective fight to save Chinatowns across North America.

Dotted along an elevated train line in Richmond, BC, a sea of Asian-themed plaza malls and shopping centre signposts a massive demographic shift. The Golden Village takes us inside these vibrant spaces where every shop has a story, and everyday activities become moments of connection and belonging. A celebration of the mall as a “third place,” The Golden Village is a wondrous portrait of the places where culture, commerce and community converge to form a sense of home in an ever-changing landscape.

Beijing is a city of endless noise, the roar of construction and gridlocked traffic never too far off. The capital is also home to a flourishing experimental music scene, where young Chinese respond to their surroundings with a cathartic racket. Howling into Harmony takes an intimate look at the lives of three local musicians and their parents, exploring the delicate balance between rock n' roll rebelliousness and family, Westernized culture and deeply-rooted nationalism. Using underground music as an entry point, the film explores the world of young Chinese in the big city.