Passion Projects
During the early 2000s, Asian Canadians had an extremely difficult time being seen on film and TV. When they did appear, they were often misrepresented, fetishized, or relegated to narrow stereotypes.
Networks confined shows representing people of color to hidden specialty channels, multicultural channels, or obscure timeslots. These slots were often governed by CRTC regulations requiring programming to be in-language to fulfill multicultural quotas. English language ‘multicultural’ shows, by contrast, were not considered multicultural and were forced to compete directly with big budget mainstream productions, an impossible barrier.
But what is the problem with multicultural and specialty channels?
If you want to learn about another culture from the people who live it, but it is presented in a language you do not understand, what do you truly learn? Would you watch?
Little Ram Productions was founded by Canadian born Asians to authentically reflect second generation Asian Canadians and challenge the slanted mainstream narratives written by non-Asians. Shows that we created were either captioned in both languages, or produced with an English speaking Asian audience in mind. This served as a bridge for the mainstream audience and a reflection of the unique Canadian born Asian experience. It’s amazing what passion can accomplish, even with no or low budgets.
Along the way, our storytelling grew sharper, and our lived experience now helps corporate, not-for-profit and government clients create more inclusive, genuine, and cost efficient video projects.
2007, “AZN Lifestyles TV”, CityTV Vancouver
"Canadianize Me" is a docu-travel series that travels across BC and into the Rockies to explore the question “What is a Canadian?” through the perspectives of three Asian Canadians: one local-born, one from Hong Kong, and one from China.
This show was originally developed during the rise of anti-Chinese sentiment at the beginning of COVID-19. Producers Kevin K. Li and Wingo Chan created this program to bridge ethnic Canadians and broader Canadian society through the lens of BC's history.
Across five captivating mini-episodes, we'll immerse ourselves in cultural exploration: from learning the traditional wind-drying salmon at Xwisten First Nations, to rafting down the Thompson River. We'll uncover hidden gems like the quaint Chinese Museum owned by Lorna Frandich, and sit down for an enlightening interview with Ken Wong at his Chinese Restaurant in Lytton, BC. Alongside, we'll juxtapose the experiences of a family from Winnipeg calling Hong Kong their home, while stumbling upon the remarkable legacy of Terry Fox in Hong Kong. Our journey will lead us to a full 1890s immersive experience in Barkerville, including participation in their charity variety show. Finally, we'll venture into the Rockies in search of a mountain once named Chinaman’s Peak, completing our odyssey of discovery and understanding.
Watch Here
HBICtv: Ultra Rich Asian Girls
A headline-grabbing viral docu-reality series that followed the daughters of affluent Asian Canadians living in Vancouver.
The show was created to break the model-minority stereotype that has long defined Asian Canadian media representation. It revealed the diverse social and economic realities within the community, far beyond the narrow lens often portrayed. URAG also served as a window into strong, independent, and ambitious women who were unafraid to speak up and pursue their goals. If mainstream reality shows have the freedom to explore any genre, why shouldn’t shows led by visible minorities?
The series aired on YouTube for three seasons, with production spanning Vancouver, Los Angeles, and Italy. Produced by Kevin K. Li and Desmond Chen. It garnered international attention and was featured in outlets such as The New Yorker, Al Jazeera, and Dateline, among other local and international news organizations.
Watch Here
House My Style
A 13-episode, half-hour docu-reality series that explores Vancouver’s real estate market through the eyes of two rookie agents.
The series featured co-hosts Ling Qiu and Paul Wong, with one speaking in Mandarin and the other in English, both fully captioned in both languages. Produced by Kevin K. Li and Alden Habacon, the goal of this show was to create a bridge between languages, producing truly multicultural programming that can be viewed by any audience to offer insight into both cultures.
House My Style was fully funded by the Omni Independent Producer’s Fund, aired nationally on Omni TV, and was licensed for broadcast in markets around the world.
Watch Here
Brotherhoods, Clans and Secret Societies of Vancouver’s Chinatown
When Chinese migrants first came to Canada in the late 1800s, they found little support. Salvation came from banding together to save themselves.
These sojourners arrived in search of work, hoping to earn enough to send back to their families in China. The money, however, did not come easily. They were paid half the wages of European immigrants, facing systemic discrimination, from the punishing Head Tax to legal and political disenfranchisement.
This documentary explores the fraternal, political, and clan societies of Vancouver’s Chinatown that provided crucial support to their own. They offered lodging, found work for new arrivals, and even provided remittance and letter-writing services. Many of these societies still exist today. But as their original services are no longer needed, how will they survive into the next generation? And what will become of Chinatown without them?
Fully funded by the Omni Independent Productions Fund and aired nationally on Omni TV, this documentary is available in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin.
Watch Here
AZN Lifestyles TV
Canada’s only English-language Asian Canadian television series. It was created to challenge mainstream stereotypes and provide a platform for Asian Canadian artists, who have long been underrepresented in film and television.
This groundbreaking show featured interviews with Asian North American celebrities, comedy sketches, and travelogues exploring the ancestral homelands of Chinese Canadians. Hosted by Katrina Peralta and Kent S. Leung, AZN Lifestyles TV also showcased sketches performed by members of the Vancouver Asian Canadian Theatre.
The series aired on CityTV Vancouver in 2008, spanning 13 episodes at 30 minutes each. The timeslot was bartered, free, and the entire production was produced on a craft service-level budget.
Watch Here