Members of Parliament sent letters of proclamation welcoming the Canadian premiere of the documentary "Unbroken: The Untold Story of Shen Yun" at Hotel X Toronto on April 22.
The premiere comes just weeks after six Shen Yun performances at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts in Toronto were cancelled following a series of hoax bomb threats reportedly linked to individuals associated with the CCP. The theatre’s decision to cancel the shows came despite police confirming the threats were not credible and despite requests by the show’s local presenter, the Falun Dafa Association of Toronto, to allow the shows to proceed.
Shen Yun Performing Arts is a classical Chinese dance and music company based in New York that was founded in 2006 by leading classical Chinese artists whose stated mission is to revive China’s traditional culture. The company performs at venues around the world each year with the tagline “China Before Communism,” and has been a frequent target of interference by the Chinese regime.
Several Canadian MPs and MPPs sent congratulatory letters praising Shen Yun’s resilience as the company celebrates its 20th anniversary, and welcomed the documentary’s premiere in Toronto.
‘Cultural Revival’
Conservative Deputy Leader Melissa Lantsman, who is a Toronto-area MP, sent a letter welcoming the screening, saying the film “showcases the profound cultural impact of Shen Yun.”Shen Yun has “shared the vibrance of classical Chinese dance and storytelling” with millions of Canadians for many years, she said. “It continues to uplift audiences with its choreography and lively narration of ancient myths and legends,” she wrote.
Lantsman noted Shen Yun has become “a powerful symbol of cultural revival and political constraint” by preserving the “masterful dance, music, and stories of ancient China that might otherwise be lost.”
“Despite aggression, threats, and challenges, you continue to fearlessly spread your message – doing what you know to be right even in the face of unprecedented difficulties,” she said, addressing performers. “The screening of this film stands as a celebration of the excellence, courage, and enduring spirit of your community.”
Lantsman thanked Shen Yun for “embodying the values we cherish,” for its commitment to educating Canadians, and for its “devotion to freedom, democracy, and liberal values, through thick and thin, through fire and water.”
'Important Perspective'
In her greeting, Ontario's Minister of Long-Term Care Natalia Kusendova-Bashta said Shen Yun’s 20th anniversary represents “far more than artistic achievement—it reflects a profound commitment to reviving traditional culture and sharing its enduring values with audiences around the world.”“The journey of Shen Yun, founded by artists seeking creative freedom, continues to inspire many through its dedication to cultural preservation and expression,” she wrote.
‘Inspiring’
Conservative MP Garnett Genuis also sent a congratulatory letter, offering greetings to those who will attend the premiere, as well encouragement to those involved with Shen Yun.
“Many people know of and attend Shen Yun for the beauty of the artistry, not knowing the full story behind this important performance and why it has faced such significant attempts at suppression by foreign regimes over the years,” Genuis wrote. “This year has been particularly difficult, with attempts at suppression growing both in scope, severity, and impact.”
Genuis noted the recent cancellation of the Shen Yun performances in Toronto, as well as the cancellation of all Shen Yun performances in Ottawa this year.
Such cancellations underscore “the real impact that these performances have—and the extremes to which the CCP will go to silence dissenting voices, even internationally,” he said.
“Canada must be strong in the face of foreign interference,” Genuis wrote. “These attempts at shutting down artistic expression through foreign threats are completely unacceptable, and they serve as a testament to the potency of the anti-communist message implicit in Shen Yun’s performances.”
Genuis said he hopes the Toronto premiere of “Unbroken” is both “enlightening and inspiring,” and offered his continued support to Shen Yun and Falun Dafa.
Conservative MP Philip Lawrence sent his congratulations in a letter to Shen Yun, commending the company on its 20th anniversary, which he said marks a “moment to reflect on the courage of the artists who founded it in 2006 to revive traditional culture free from political constraints.”
The journey of Shen Yun artists has inspired audiences worldwide, even in the face of challenges such as the cancellation of shows in Toronto this year, he said.
Lawrence commended the Falun Dafa community and Shen Yun for its “resilience and dedication” to promoting traditional culture.
‘Undaunted’
Conservative MP Scott Reid also wrote a letter to Shen Yun artists and those involved in the making of “Unbroken.” Reid said he is “delighted” that the documentary will premiere in Toronto on April 22 and tell the “remarkable” story of Shen Yun in its 20th year.
“Shen Yun has been introducing audiences across Canada, and beyond, to Chinese culture and history, for decades, and it is wonderful to see that it will carry on with its mission, undaunted,” Reid wrote.
Mississauga City Councillor Brad Butt also sent a proclamation letter to Shen Yun and those attending the “Unbroken” premiere in Toronto.
“I would like to extend my warmest greetings to everyone attending tonight’s event,” he wrote.