EXCLUSION: BEYOND THE SILENCE Ground-breaking Documentary on Chinese Canadian History Coming to Cineplex Theatres Across Canada for Asian Heritage Month Toronto, ON – March 25, 2026 – Exclusion: Beyond the Silence, a powerful documentary revealing the lasting impact of Canada’s Chinese Exclusion Act, will be screening at up to 30 Cineplex locations across the country as part of Asian Heritage Month on May 2, 3 & 7.   This rare national theatrical release of a Canadian documentary underscores the importance of uncovering untold stories from Canada’s multicultural past. Directed by Stratford Festival veteran Keira Loughran and produced by Ballinran Entertainment in association with White Pine Pictures, the film follows the filmmaker and Helen Lee as they investigate the legacy of their grandmothers—women who fought for the reunification of Chinese Canadian families and helped pave the way for Canada’s policy of multiculturalism. The documentary was filmed across Canada and in China.   “This is an extraordinary, forgotten story of Canada’s multicultural history,” says Craig Thompson, President and Executive Producer of Ballinran Entertainment and producer of the documentary. “At a time when conversations about immigration, identity, and belonging are more important than ever, we are thrilled to partner with Cineplex to bring this film to audiences across the country.”   With screenings from St. John’s, Newfoundland, to Victoria, BC, the documentary provides a deeply moving look at the struggles, sacrifices, and contributions of countless Chinese Canadians who shaped this country.   “This collaboration with Cineplex during Asian Heritage Month is a rare and significant moment for Canadian cinema,” says Keira Loughran, director of the film. “We hope this film sparks conversations about our shared history and the resilience of the Chinese Canadian community.”   “This is a pivotal time for Canada and Canadian documentary producers. Exclusion is an extraordinary film that blows open the long-suppressed history of the racist Chinese Head Tax and the discrimination against Chinese immigrants. Its terrific that Canadians across the country will have the opportunity to see this film in movie theatres.” Peter Raymont, President, White Pine Pictures   “We are very fortunate to have this opportunity to screen our documentary across Canada with Cineplex,” adds Justin Poy, Executive Producer. “Most Canadians have an immigrant story in their background and our goal is to inspire dialogue, reflection and appreciation for what got them to where they are today with this important piece of work.”   Tickets go on sale Friday, March 28, 2025, at Cineplex.com. For details on screening locations, dates, and showtimes, visit: www.cineplex.com www.ballinran.com/exclusion   For more information: Craig Thompson Justin Poy Ballinran Entertainment Justin Poy Agency [email protected] [email protected]  

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View the official poster and images from the film: Link

ABOUT THE FILM

• Title: Exclusion: Beyond the Silence
• Running Time: 88 minutes
• Languages: English & Cantonese (with English subtitles)
• Director: Keira Loughran
• Producers: Craig Thompson
• Executive Producers: Craig Thompson, Wei Hu, Justin Poy, Peter Raymont
• Production Companies: Ballinran Entertainment in association with White Pine Pictures, with participation from Telus, Knowledge Network, Rogers OMNI, YES TV, Canada Media Fund, Rogers Documentary Fund, Ontario Creates, and the Government of Canada Film and Television Tax Credits
• Community Screening Partner: ALTEC GLOBAL

ABOUT BALLINRAN ENTERTAINMENT

Founded in 1995 by former journalist and foreign correspondent Craig Thompson, Ballinran Entertainment is Southwestern Ontario’s most prolific film and television production studio. We produce captivating and cinematic documentary programming for Canadian broadcasters and global platforms. Our passion for illuminating extraordinary stories has taken us to the four corners of the world and we bring decades of industry experience to the screen, driven by our desire to tell great stories. Learn more at: ballinran.com.  

ABOUT WHITE PINE PICTURES

Founded in 1978 by filmmaker Peter Raymont, White Pine Pictures’ documentaries have been honoured with 3 Emmys, countless Canadian Screen Awards and other honours.  

ABOUT CINEPLEX

Cineplex (TSX:CGX) is a top-tier Canadian brand that operates in the Film Entertainment and Content, Amusement and Leisure, and Media sectors. Cineplex offers a unique escape from the everyday to millions of guests through its circuit of 172 movie theatres and location-based entertainment venues. In addition to being Canada’s largest and most innovative film exhibitor, the company operates Canada’s favourite destination for ‘Eats & Entertainment’ (The Rec Room), complexes specially designed for teens and families (Playdium), and an entertainment concept that brings movies, amusement gaming, dining, and live performances together under one roof (Cineplex Junxion). It also operates successful businesses in cinema media (Cineplex Media), digital place- based media (Cineplex Digital Media or CDM), alternative programming (Cineplex Events) and motion picture distribution (Cineplex Pictures). Providing even more value for its guests, Cineplex is a partner in Scene+, Canada’s largest entertainment and lifestyle loyalty program.   Proudly recognized as having one of the country’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures, Cineplex employs over 10,000 people in its offices and venues across Canada. To learn more, visit Cineplex.com.  

ABOUT TELUS INDEPENDENT

TELUS Independent is a pilot program, based in Western Canada, that supports documentary and limited series, accessible to all Canadians, with a focus on: Ethical storytelling, Indigenous narrative sovereignty and Sustainable production practices  

ABOUT KNOWLEDGE NETWORK

Knowledge Network is British Columbia’s viewer-supported public educational broadcaster. Available on television throughout the province of British Columbia and on streaming platforms across Canada, they feature Knowledge Original documentaries commissioned from BC-based producers; curated dramas, premium factual series, and documentaries from around the globe; and quality programming for pre-schoolers and parents. Knowledge Network’s service is free and commercial-free. For more information, visit knowledge.ca.  

ABOUT YES TV

YES TV is a commercial broadcaster committed to positive, family-friendly entertainment programming. Licensed and regulated by the CRTC as a religious channel, YES TV is available in 6.8 million homes across Canada. YES TV is a Crossroads Television Systems Inc. brand, an independently owned Canadian incorporated Not-For-Profit Corporation.