Episode 118: Karen Lam and Elfina Luk

Much of the work in filmmaker Karen Lam’s filmography can be described as unsettling and weirdly empowering, and her latest film is all this and more. Karen’s newest feature film is The Curse of Willow Song, and it’s screening online and in-cinema this month as part of the 2020 Vancouver International Film Festival. The Curse of Willow Song tells the story of Willow (played by Valerie Tian), a young woman recently released from prison who must choose between her dangerous but honest new life on the streets and her former gang life and the nightmares that have plagued her since childhood. Willow’s gang life returns in the form of Dani, played by Elfina Luk, a real estate agent who invites Willow to serve as caretaker in a spooky warehouse – and it’s in the warehouse where we see the true power of Willow’s haunted mind.The Curse of Willow Song feels different than other Karen Lam films. There are references to systemic racism, in the form of a white parole officer played by Amanda Burke who can’t figure out why Asian people give their kids names like Willow – as well as in a pointed and profound speech by Elfina’s character, who states that the system is built on white people’s terms; how they’re happy when Asian people open greasy spoons and laundromats but show their racism when Asian Canadians succeed – or, as Dani says, “We didn’t come here because we’re stupid. We came here because we’re smart.”In this entertaining and thoughtful interview, Karen Lam and Elfina Luk discuss the power and poignancy in this startlingly beautiful and terrifying film, which was named Best BC Film at #VIFF2020. Episode sponsor: Fish Flight Entertainment