Igniting a Cultural Renaissance:
The Toronto Chinese Canadian Film Festival (TCCFF)
Justin Poy is a 30+ year veteran of the advertising and television industry and is one of the pioneers of Canadian multicultural advertising, having established his award-winning advertising agency, The Justin Poy Agency Inc. in 1993. He is the creator of such memorable ad campaigns as “Everyone Loves Marineland” and the Canadian International AutoShow. The Agency has won numerous international awards including the Cannes Lion Award for special effects for the launch of SCREAM TV.
Justin is a Past Board Director of Ontario Creates (formerly OMDC) and is an Executive Producer for Ballinran Entertainment. He has been actively supporting the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) for over 20 years and is a Patron of the REEL Asian Film Festival. He is the recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Gold and Diamond Jubilee Medals and the King Charles III Coronation Medal for his cultural and philanthropic contributions to Canada. Justin’s latest documentary film project, “Exclusion: Unravelling the Silence” will be released in November 2024.
Randall C Willis is an award-winning screenwriter and filmmaker, co-producing the short documentary Solitairy and short film The Maples. He is a screenwriting instructor at George Brown College and formerly at Raindance Canada. Besides judging the TCCFF film competition. In addition to judging the TCCFF film competition, Randall has also served as a judge for events such as the Austin Film Festival, Raindance Live Option, Lunenburg Doc Fest, and Landed Entertainment’s competition.
Randall specializes in story telling, helping writers shape their ideas and voices through his business So, What’s Your Story? (sowhatsyourstory.ca), coaching, and consulting in story editing and adaptation. Between creative projects and teaching assignments, Randall keeps his skills sharp by studying and performing improv and live storytelling. He is also currently developing a book—Tomorrow, I’ll be inspired. Reflections on muse-free creativity—encouraging people to live a creative, passion-filled life (to be published in 2025/6).
As the founder of a successful video production and photography company recognized within the industry, Dennis has spent years telling stories through powerful visuals. He now brings that same passion to the Toronto Chinese Canadian Film Festival—an event dedicated to celebrating culture, creativity, and the diverse voices of the community.
Raised with both Chinese and Canadian influences, Dennis deeply understands the importance of representation and the impact of authentic storytelling. Through social media, he shares the heart of the festival—spotlighting talented filmmakers, engaging audiences, and creating a space where these stories can truly shine. For Dennis, this role goes beyond strategy and content. It’s about honoring heritage, uplifting emerging voices, and helping Chinese Canadian culture reach a broader audience—one post at a time.
TCCFF Team
Tery Wong Imamura - Chair
Abby Tsoi - President
Tery Wong Imamura (⻩诗美), at 75, continues to champion Chinese culture through storytelling and filmmaking. Born in Hong Kong and later immigrating to Canada, Tery’s life experiences as a flight attendant and advocate for women shaped her profound understanding of diverse narratives. Passionate about promoting Chinese filmmakers, she spearheaded the Inaugural Toronto Chinese Canadian Film Festival in October 2024, celebrating Chinese cinema’s richness and cultural depth. Tery’s dedication to sharing authentic stories reflects her deep-rooted pride in her heritage.
Tery’s festival mission is to bring great Chinese films for ALL to see, promoting the long, rich Chinese Heritage and Culture, and nurturing young filmmakers— anchored a Chinese film landscape in the Canadian community. She wrote and directed a short film "Regrets I Have a Few", is working on a personal documentary, and developing a feature film, "From Binding Feet to Burning Bra".
Tery also loves animals and currently supports the Toronto Wildlife Centre. She hopes to pet a lion!
Randall C. Willis
Sara Yang was born in China, moved to Venezuela at the age of 16, and immigrated to Canada at 20. She currently resides in Toronto. Sara is adept at building strong interpersonal relationships and navigating challenges with resilience and optimism. Her professional expertise spans several industries, including food and beverage management, hairstyling and hair treatment, and business and network marketing. She has run her family’s restaurant, Koganei Japanese Seafood, for over 20 years and brings 30 years of hairstyling experience to her salon, Unit 3 Studio, which she launched in 2019 along with her BeMoreHair treatment line.
In 2011, Sara joined Lyconet Global Marketing, focused on economic growth between businesses and consumers. Her giving back projects supporting Cherish, Under The Banyan Tree, The Gibson Centre, and World Vision. Her value and passion exemplifies a better community and a brighter future.
Ali Mashayekhi
Justin Poy - Vice Chair
Sara Yang - Vice President
A stalwart of Hong Kong film, Abby MC Tsoi has been an influential force in the industry since the late 1980s. With a career spanning over two decades as a producer, director and production designer, He played a key role in shaping the dynamic storytelling and visual flair that defined Hong Kong’s golden era of filmmaking. Renowned for his hands-on, team-driven approach, Tsoi worked behind the scenes to elevate projects through innovative production design and meticulous planning. His expertise helped bring to life some of Hong Kong film’s most memorable moments, blending cultural authenticity with bold creativity.
In recent years, Tsoi has channeled his industry acumen into promotional campaigns and marketing strategies, empowering independent filmmakers to reach wider audiences. His deep understanding of both filmmaking and audience engagement continues to make him a vital person in Hong Kong and China evolving entertainment landscape.
Jumbo Lau - Advisor
Dominic Lam is a renowned multi-media actor with over 50 years of industry experience. In film and television, Dominic’s superb acting in a range of roles has delighted audiences, drawing them into rich cinematic worlds. He has also been the host of many major variety programmes including the World Cup, Olympic Games, Miss Chinese Canada, and many popular radio shows. Adept in both serious and light- hearted settings, Dominic is known for his friendly personality and remains a well-loved public figure.
Dominic Lam Kar Wa - Advisor
Jumbo Lau is a renowned fashion and image consultant. Since the 1980s, she has worked as a designer and advisor for programs across television and film such as the Miss Hong Kong and Miss Toronto Chinese pageants, TVB International Chinese New Talent Singing Competition, and major variety programmes, as well as for many of Hong Kong’s most acclaimed singers. Jumbo has also served as Senior Manager of Costume Department at Disneyland Hong Kong, and won numerous international fashion awards including “Best National Costume” at the 1983 Miss Asia Pacific pageant, Gold Prize at the “21st Century Fashion Show” during the 1985 Tsukuba World Expo, and “Best National Costume” at the 1995 Miss Chinese American pageant.
Sara Yang
Dennis Duong - Advisor
Sam Ho - Advisor
Sam Ho is a curator, researcher and writer. Based in Hong Kong and the United States, he specializes in the study of Hong Kong cinema but has also written extensively on various aspects of cinema while also curating dozens of programs on various aspects of international cinema. Devoted to the international promotion of Hong Kong cinema, he has given many lectures and speeches all over the world.
Randall C. Willis - Advisor
Ali Mashayekhi - Advisor
Ali Mashayekhi was the president of Landed Entertainments, a Canadian based film production company for the past 24 years. Ali has produced over 90 films around the world since 2003 including; Japan, Indonesia, USA, Netherlands and France, screening at over a 100 festivals and winning several high profile awards including Audience Choice Award for Best Short Film at Austin Film Festival in 2022. Recently Ali and Zeus Kontoyannis have created the international production company Boundless Imaginations based out of London UK focusing on story-driven films. Ali is also the Executive Director of the Ethnically Diverse Artists (EDA) Foundation, and Lead Ambassador for Inara. Ali’s recent work includes an adaptation of Stephen King’s The Last King entirely in Farsi and the travel food series Evolving Vegan, which is available now on demand. He is currently producing a horror feature film set to come out in Spring 2025
Ivan Hung immigrated to Canada from Hong Kong in 1992 and has dedicated over 15 years to community service and cultural outreach. As President of the Brampton Chinese Business Association (BCBA), he helps build bridges between Asian and North American markets, supporting businesses expanding into Hong Kong, China, and Taiwan, as well as those entering Canada. With over a decade of experience in Business development and International Trade, Ivan also serves as Advisor to the Toronto Chinese Canadian Film Festival and Vice President of Government Relationship & Outreach for the Toronto Spring Festival, where the team successfully organized the first-ever Chinese Lunar New Year Fireworks Celebration at Toronto City Hall.
Ivan Hung - Advisor
Jeffrey K. F. Shek - Barrister & Solicitor
Jeffrey has been practicing law in various capacities since 2003, including fourteen years at his general service law firm handling matters such as real estate transactions, corporate and commercial law, family law, wills and estates, and dispute resolution. Jeffrey now practices law as CLO (Chief Legal Officer) of various small and medium size businesses, each on a fractional basis. This cost-effective solution allows SMEs to have the legal knowledge and competence of an in-house legal counsel in their C-Suite – all without the payroll strain of a full-time lawyer’s salary.
Born and raised in Hong Kong till the age of 10, Jeffrey is especially thrilled to be part of the Toronto Chinese Canadian Film Festival. Jeffrey will be the Festival’s Legal Counsel on a pro bono basis, as he does for various not-for profit organizations such as the Association of Chinese Canadian Entrepreneurs, Ontario Chinese Artists Association and the Canada Hong Kong Alliance (Toronto).
In 2024, a group of passionate filmmakers and cinephiles made history by establishing Toronto's first-ever Chinese film festival. Their mission was clear: to celebrate the vibrant diversity of Chinese cinema for Ontario's 820,000+ strong Chinese community and beyond.
Now in its second year, the Toronto Chinese Canadian Film Festival (TCCFF) returns from October 18-24, 2025 at the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto again. Building on last year's success, we're expanding our vision—showcasing more groundbreaking films, fostering emerging talent, and creating deeper cultural connections through 7 movies this year.
This isn't just a festival; it's a growing movement that bridges communities, telling one story at a time.