MAIFF 2026 FILM

There Are No Words

Directed by:

Min Sook Lee

The AmérAsia category highlights films by or about Asian communities in North America, with the goal of exploring the Asian diaspora experience in Canada and the United States.

Program #1

Tangible Narratives: An Evening of Asian-Canadian Short Films

Location: 13th MAIFF & Art Souterrain
Time: Friday, May 8 | 6:30–8:30 PM
Place: Place Ville Marie
Ticket: Free with RSVP

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The 13th Montreal Asian International Film Festival (MAIFF), in partnership with Art Souterrain, presents “Tangible Narratives: An Evening of Asian-Canadian Short Films.” We bring the voices of the Asian-Canadian diaspora to the heart of Montreal through a free public screening under MAIFF’s new motto: UNBOUND. We invite all of Montreal to attend on May 8, 2026 from 6:30-8:30 PM at Place Ville Marie.This evening celebrates the transformation of the Korean Film Festival Canada into MAIFF, a festival within a festival that embraces cinema and media arts across the Asian diaspora and Asia. “Tangible Narratives” will screen five outstanding Asian-Canadian shorts with five distinctive visions, representing the diversity of the Asian diaspora.

The lineup features

There Are No Words

Documentary

1. An Uninterrupted View of the Sea (2021) by Mika Yatsuhashi

Documentary / 0:15:08

A Japanese-American filmmaker tells the story of her family’s struggle to prove their American identities during World War II.

2. Washed My Hands of It (2023) by Elmira Laki

Experimental / 0:02:00

In this film, handwashing becomes a metaphor for shedding life's burdens. Elmira's trembling hands portray anxiety, evolving into rawness symbolizing emotional strain.

3. Comme un fleuve (Như một dòng sông) (2021) by Sandra Desmazières

Experimental / 0:02:00

In this film, handwashing becomes a metaphor for shedding life's burdens. Elmira's trembling hands portray anxiety, evolving into rawness symbolizing emotional strain.

4. Hitting the Noodles (2024) by Shelly Seo Bahng

Fiction / 0:06:30

Feeling stuck in her limited immigrant status, a young Korean woman eats spicy fire noodles every day for the thrill, instead of taking risks in her own life.

5. In the Blood (2025) by Nungshimeren Longkumer

Short / 0:12:39

This film explores the turbulent bond between a Naga-Canadian son and his single mother, as cultural identity and unspoken wounds collide in their home.

Each film interweaves themes of Tangibility and Duality, based on the 2026 themes for MAIFF and Festival Art Souterrain. After the screenings, audiences can meet the filmmakers in person for artist talks, Q&A, and networking.Free. Open to all. Don't miss it!