On May 23, 2026, West Coast Cultural Lab presented the Vancouver community screening of Paws Land (毛家) at The Cinematheque.
What began as an independent screening project slowly grew into something much more meaningful, a shared community experience built through cinema, storytelling, art, and conversation.
Throughout the afternoon, audiences from different backgrounds, languages, and generations gathered together to experience the documentary collectively. During the screening, the audience laughed together, became silent together, and held back tears together. For two hours, strangers became connected through the same story.
One of the most touching moments was seeing audience members arrive wearing little touches of blue. Originally introduced as a small community dress code idea, it gradually transformed into a visual symbol of connection throughout the cinema.
During the opening speech, West Coast Cultural Lab founder Yukko Chan shared:
“When we are individually, we are just drops of water. But when we gather together, we can become an ocean. Today, we may not be an ocean, but we can still become a river, or a wave, passing the message along together.”
Beyond a Film Screening
The project was designed not only as a documentary screening, but as a broader community cultural experience.
Alongside the screening, the event also featured:
- A Community Picks playlist inspired by beloved animals
- A mini film festival featuring 6 visual letters from Canada, France, Hong Kong and Taiwan
- A special Paws Land edition of Vancouver On Ink created for the event
- A fundraiser by Kumaru & Co. supporting Endless Pawsabilities Rescue Society
The intention was to explore how cinema could become more than simply watching a film, but also a space for gathering, reflection, empathy, and dialogue.
Cultural Exchange Through Documentary
One of the key goals of bringing Paws Land from Hong Kong to Vancouver was to create conversations around the similarities and differences between animal rescue systems, culture, education, and policy in different places.
After the screening, meaningful discussions emerged between audience members, local rescue volunteers, and community supporters. Conversations highlighted how rescue networks in British Columbia differ structurally from those shown in the documentary, while also revealing shared emotional realities around care, compassion, and valuing life.
Although many audiences came from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds, language did not become a barrier during the event.
Care for animals, shared emotional experiences, and cinema itself became a common language.
Community Support & Collaboration
West Coast Cultural Lab would like to thank all volunteers, collaborators, community partners, audience members, and supporters who helped bring the project to life.
The Paws Land Community Series was made possible through the support of community partners across arts, culture, local business, animal rescue, and community organizations.
Community Partners
- CHIME
- Velo Star Café
- Wasa Wasa
- Enabling Arts
- Endless Pawsabilities Rescue Society
- Barney’s Furry Friends
- Catoro Café
These partners supported the project through community outreach, research, collaboration, audience engagement, fundraising support, and cultural exchange.
Community & Media Support
The project was also generously shared and amplified by local community platforms, media pages, and creators, helping the event reach diverse audiences across Vancouver and beyond.
- 604 One Night Talk
- Book A Film
- Saron
- HKCANFUN 2.0
- Word Vancouver
- HK House Official
- Van Kai Fong
- Third Space Vancouver
- Kumaru & Co.
Their support played an important role in helping independent community arts initiatives reach wider audiences.
In addition, Kumaru & Co. ’s post-screening fundraiser raised $200 through pet treat sales, with all profits donated to Endless Pawsabilities Rescue Society.
As part of the Paws Land Community Series, West Coast Cultural Lab founder Yukko Chan was also invited to join an interview with Saron to discuss the vision behind the project, community building through arts and cinema, and the cultural conversations surrounding Paws Land. [Watch The Interview]
Looking Forward
The Paws Land Community Series reinforced West Coast Cultural Lab’s belief that arts and culture can create meaningful spaces for connection, reflection, and community dialogue.
Upcoming projects include:
- Vancouver On Ink First Anniversary Open Call
- Upcoming community art jam events
- Future interdisciplinary cultural gatherings
Thank you to everyone who became part of this journey.