Author Archives: Yuchun Yang

Finding Yourself in the Movies: An Exciting Journey through the Vancouver International Film Festival

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Do you know what VIFF is?
It actually stands for Vancouver International Film Festival. And every year in the autumn, the Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) brings a film fest to the city. Since 1982, VIFF has gradually become a shining star among global film festivals, attracting filmmakers and movie fans from all over the world.
But the meaning of the festival is far more than just watching movies, it hides a richer story and cultural collision behind it.

VIFF 2011

The birth of VIFF was actually very simple: a group of movie lovers wanted to bring more excellent movies from all over the world to Vancouver.
From its humble beginnings to its current grandeur, the festival has gone international step by step and become an important platform for film creators to showcase their talents.
Have you ever wondered why a movie festival can be so attractive? Leave your story.
Maybe it’s because it not only allows us to see the stories of different cultures, but also makes us start to think about how to talk to this diverse world through movies.

This year, VIFF’s slate is full of anticipated works. For example, the movie FLOW explores the relationship between human beings and nature, nature is so huge and human beings are so small, does it also make you start to think about how we can coexist with the environment? Here’s the trailer for the movie, which you can watch by clicking on it.

What’s special about VIFF is that it doesn’t just let us sit in a darkened movie theater and watch a movie, but it provokes discussion and collides ideas through film. Have you ever noticed that movies often open up a whole new world view? Has there been a movie that has made you think for a long time, or even influenced the way you live your life?

Now that VIFF is nearing its end, do you have plans to go to the last few movies? If you haven’t decided yet, try picking a movie or two in a genre you wouldn’t normally watch, it might bring an unexpected surprise. Tomorrow(Oct 6 2024) is also its grand closing ceremony, so check it out if you’re interested!

To what extent do you think movies can change our thinking? We always say that movies reflect life, but have you ever thought that sometimes they can influence the way we live?

Behind the Scenes Heroes –Tom Cruise

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Tom Cruise saved Elizabeth Sue’s life while filming the movie Cocktail! This is not a made up story, it really happened. Doesn’t it make you wonder when you hear this shocking story? Imagine everyone was reveling in a beautiful beach riding scene when all of a sudden, an accident almost happened!

Tom’s decisive action not only saved Sue’s life, but also brought the heartbeat of the entire crew back to a normal rhythm in an instant.

tom cruise

This story took place in 1988, when Tom Cruise had just become a global sensation and the talk of the movie world. He plays a young bartender in Cocktail, a movie that follows him as he navigates the bar world of New York City and eventually learns the true meaning of life. The whole movie is full of 80’s classics, from city bars to beautiful Caribbean landscapes, with a light-hearted, romantic vibe. But can you believe it? Behind the filming of this movie lies such a thrilling moment!

On the set that day, the crew was using a helicopter to take aerial shots of Tom and Elizabeth riding horses. Sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? However, danger always lurks in seemingly peaceful scenes. The helicopter’s tail rotor rotates at high speeds, making it almost invisible, and that’s exactly the kind of deadly threat that’s easiest to overlook.

Elizabeth ran towards the back of the helicopter because of her excitement, no one realized how much danger her movement brought, only Tom had sharp eyes and keenly captured that deadly hidden danger. Without hesitation, he darted over and grabbed her, saving her from the edge of the tail rotor!

Imagine how horrible things could have turned out if Tom hadn’t reacted so quickly! What’s even more shocking is that Tom wasn’t a pilot at the time! He didn’t get his pilot’s license until 1994, so his judgment at the time was based solely on gut feeling and instinct. The actors were none the wiser when it was all over.

Whether it’s in the movie or in reality, Tom Cruise displays the kind of natural heroism that really moves people. This incident also makes us take a fresh look behind the scenes of movie making – even though the footage on screen looks so brilliant and eye-catching, there are hidden risks behind the scenes that are often overlooked by us. Think about it: aerial shots, stunts, explosions, and other shots, although the effects are stunning, they all require a high degree of concentration from every member of the crew because no one wants to see the lives of the actors in danger for the sake of pursuing perfect visual effects.

Having said that, I can’t help but wonder if it was Tom Cruise’s bold nature that prompted him to resolutely choose to go into action himself to accomplish all sorts of thrilling stunts later in his career? Imagine an actor who can save a life in an emergency, no wonder he later dared to jump in a helicopter or even leap from a tall building! Perhaps this incident really shaped his style of not being afraid of challenges.

Clip of the COCKTAIL

I’m curious now too – what do you think of this thrilling behind-the-scenes story? Would you have reacted as quickly as Tom did, or is this kind of instinctive reaction reserved for the real “action heroes”? Do you think this life-saving incident had a profound effect on Tom’s acting career, or was he destined to be a fearless warrior from the start?

Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section!

 

iPhone 16: A New Chapter for Apple Inc.

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In 2024, Apple finally launched the highly anticipated iPhone 16 series, which undoubtedly thrilled fans once again. As one of the most valuable companies in the world, Apple has firmly captured the hearts of billions of consumers with its amazing innovation and user experience.

The release of the iPhone 16 brings numerous exciting new features. First and foremost, it is equipped with the latest A18 Bionic chip, boasting incredible speed and higher processing efficiency, allowing you to play games or multitask with multiple apps seamlessly. Moreover, the upgrades in photography are impressive; the new technology allows you to effortlessly capture intricate details in low-light environments, eliminating the worry of taking poor photos when out at night.

For the girls who can’t live without a great camera, this new series has significantly improved features to address issues like grayish images, over-sharpening, and color imbalance.

Detailed review videos can be found at the link below.

In terms of design, Apple continues to maintain its minimalist style, with the iPhone 16 offering a variety of color options to satisfy different tastes. At the same time, Apple has enhanced the phone’s durability, using sturdier materials to improve drop resistance and water resistance. These improvements undoubtedly provide users with more peace of mind.

Since its establishment in 1976, Apple has focused on technological innovation and user experience. The vision of founder Steve Jobs still influences Apple’s development today. From the original Apple I to the current iPhone series, Apple has consistently pushed the envelope. Today, Apple is not only a technology company but also a cultural phenomenon, with its products deeply integrated into the daily lives of consumers around the globe.

Moreover, Apple has been making continuous efforts in environmental sustainability. The company has committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030, striving to reduce its environmental impact in production and operations. This is also why Apple began releasing phones in titanium metal colors last year.

With the launch of the iPhone 16, Apple has made new strides in sustainable development, with new product designs and material choices reflecting this goal.

As a leader in the global tech industry, Apple’s success lies not only in its product innovation but also in its deep understanding of user needs and keen insight into future trends.

So, what’s your favorite feature of the iPhone? What do you think about Apple’s environmental efforts? Are you considering upgrading to the iPhone 16?

Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments, and let’s discuss this innovative brand and its cool products together!

 

“Sinners” Trailer Released: Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan Reunite

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The first trailer for the new film Sinners, directed by Ryan Coogler and starring Michael B. Jordan, has been released. This dynamic duo, known for their collaborations on Creed and Black Panther, once again joins forces to deliver a suspenseful and thrilling new work. The vampire-themed film produced by Warner Bros. is set to be released on March 7, 2025.

In the opening of the trailer, Michael B. Jordan’s character, Smoke, narrates: “I’ve been all over this world. I’ve seen men die in ways I didn’t even know were possible.” The scene then shifts to a group of people fleeing from an unseen threat, as well as a figure entering a church with scratches on their face.

Smoke continues, “Of all the things I’ve seen, I ain’t ever seen no demons, no ghosts, no magic — ’til now.”

The film creates a tense and thrilling world through its mysterious atmosphere and unknown supernatural forces. Jordan plays twin brothers attempting to escape their troubled lives, only to find an even greater evil waiting for them in their hometown. This character setup prompts viewers to wonder: What brings them back to this place? How will Smoke confront the evil forces in the face of unknown threats?

Throughout the trailer, the film’s intended atmosphere is palpable, with a gripping pace that sends chills down your spine. It is incredibly captivating, and I believe it’s a film not to be missed.

Sinners not only boasts a strong cast but also captivates the audience’s anticipation through mystery and suspense. In addition to Jordan, powerhouse actors such as Hailee Steinfeld, Wunmi Mosaku, and Jack O’Connell also join the cast. This film is sure to provide a fresh horror experience for viewers.

Are you excited to see Michael B. Jordan in this new role?

How will he portray the struggle against supernatural forces?

Coogler is known for perfectly blending emotion and visual effects—can he once again move the audience this time?

What exactly is the mysterious force in the trailer?

Do you think Sinners will become one of the most anticipated films of 2025?

Will you go to the cinema on March 7, 2025, to support them?

Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments!

Unraveling Love in ‘Birds of a Feather

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Billie Eilish is a highly acclaimed American singer and songwriter, known for her unique musical style and distinctive artistic persona. Born on December 18, 2001, in sunny Los Angeles, California, she displayed a deep passion for music from a young age. Billie’s work blends pop, electronic, and alternative styles, with lyrics often exploring themes of youth, love, anxiety, and self-identity, prompting deep reflection.

In her new album, *Hit Me Hard and Soft*, there is a song titled “Birds of a Feather” that profoundly showcases a unique understanding of love in the creative process. Perhaps you’ve had a similar experience—when you find yourself caught in the whirlwind of love, the emotions that surge within are not just sweet but also filled with countless questions and struggles.

The inspiration for this song stems from many classic lyrics about dying for love, but Billie and her brother chose a different approach—not to die for love, but to reflect on the essence of love between life and death.
The opening lyric, “I hope you stay,” seems simple yet carries deep emotion.

Have you ever silently yearned for such a wish in your heart?

The really funny thing is  Billie and her brother went through a lot of pain while producing this song, even contemplating not including it in the album. Imagine the creative process, where they pondered and debated, only to feel doubt about their own work—does that feeling resonate with you? Fortunately, they ultimately decided to include the song, and it was this persistence that led to its success. Notably, this song achieved great success upon release, receiving high praise from both fans and critics.

Rather than being a simple love song, “Birds of a Feather” serves as a deep exploration of the complex feelings surrounding love. The lyrics express profound appreciation for a partner alongside self-doubt, almost like a gentle reminder that our value in the eyes of others may far exceed our own perceptions.

Have you ever experienced such moments, surrounded by the admiration of others yet still struggling with self-confidence?

Billie Ellish at Glastonbury Sunday 2019 Other Stage

A great place to let go of exhaustion – StarBelly Jam Music Festival

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This year’s Star Belly Jam Music Festival once again attracted thousands of music lovers who flocked to Crawford Bay for this annual music event. However, this year’s festival is going to be a special experience for me as I will be attending this highly anticipated event for the first time in person to spend an unforgettable weekend with my close friends.

My buddies and I got ready early and arrived at the festival site with our tents, sleeping bags and a happy mood. After setting up our tents, we set out to explore the entire festival area, participating in a variety of fun activities and sampling food. As the sounds of the music echoed through the air, we were gradually brought into the rhythm of the music. I was especially looking forward to the musical performances in the evening, as one of my very favorite musicians would be singing on stage. When the music started, my friends and I danced and cheered together as if we had forgotten the passage of time. At that moment, music and friendship intertwined and became the best memory of the weekend. And of course it was the best time to let go of exhaustion.

In addition to the musical performances, there were many other exciting activities at the festival. We took part in an outdoor yoga class to relax in the nature, and a handicraft workshop to make some small gifts to keep as souvenirs.

On the last day of the festival, we sat around the campfire and shared what we had seen, heard and felt during the festival. Under the starry sky, we strung together this unforgettable weekend with music and friendship.

For me, this Star Belly Jam festival was not only a music event, but also an unforgettable time spent with my friends, a musical journey full of memories.

But before attending the festival, there are a few important things to keep in mind:

1. Prepare your gear: Make sure you bring gear suitable for a music festival, such as tents, sleeping bags, sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, raincoats and comfortable shoes. This gear can help you stay comfortable and safe during the festival.

2. Stay healthy: During the music festival, it is important to stay healthy. Remember to carry enough drinking water with you to avoid heat stroke and dehydration. In addition, eating right, getting enough sleep and proper rest are also key to staying healthy.

3. Protect your hearing: Music at festivals can be very loud, so remember to bring earplugs or earmuffs to protect your hearing from damage. Prolonged exposure to high decibel music may affect your hearing.

4. Take care of valuables: During the festival, take care of your valuables such as cell phones, wallets and keys. It is best to keep these items in a safe place or carry an anti-theft bag with you.

5. Respect others and the environment: Be respectful of others and the environment at the festival. Obey the rules and instructions of the Festival, remain polite and friendly, and share happiness and joy with others. At the same time, take care of the environment, do not dispose of garbage and keep the Music Festival site clean and tidy.

6. Pay attention to safety alerts: During the Music Festival, pay attention to safety alerts and instructions and be ready to respond to emergencies. In case of emergencies, seek assistance from staff and cooperate with their instructions and arrangements.

7. Enjoy the music and the experience:* Most importantly, enjoy the music and the festival experience. Dance and laugh with friends, share joy and friendship with strangers, and create great memories and experiences.

Whether you are a first time festival goer or a seasoned festival player, the above do’s and don’ts will help you have an enjoyable and memorable festival trip.

At the end of the day, have you had a similar music festival experience? Come share your story below!

Rising from adversity, ready to conquer the music world!

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You may not have heard of her, but let me now introduce you to a true musical talent – TJ NoTE!

Who is tj NoTE, you may be wondering? Well, she is a songwriter and performer with over 20 years of experience! This super talent has written over 100 original songs, but did you know? She’s just now starting to produce and release her first commercial studio record! Doesn’t that feel a little exciting?

But, tj’s musical journey hasn’t been a smooth one. Just when she decided to pursue her music career, a series of unfortunate events happened one after another: before finishing her first album, she was surprisingly hit by a car, resulting in soft tissue and moderate brain damage! That’s quite a bumpy ride.

But the bumps in the road didn’t discourage TJ! After many surgeries and treatments, she began working in film and developed close relationships with many people in the film and music industry. What a love it is that keeps tj singing with renewed confidence!

The friends she made encouraged her to reconnect with music. You have to realize that friends can sometimes be the medicine that pulls you up when you’re about to fall, or shine a light when you’re about to lose your way.

Since 2019, TJ has been the MVP winner of Hunkerdown’s seventh annual Battle of the Bands! This is nothing short of a congratulatory achievement. Two of her original songs have also been featured in independent films and have found her songs regularly reaching #1 in their genre and city on ReverbNation.com! That kind of courage to fall down and get back up is truly admirable.

Imagine, after all these years of working quietly, she’s finally going to show the world her musical talent.In early 2021, she released her first studio single, “PAiN,” followed by “LOVE” in the summer of the same year! Now, she’s even planning to release more singles before she releases her debut studio album, NOW, in 2022! Can you feel her musical passion and determination? I can’t wait for her new album too, when will it be RELEASED?

So, are you ready for tj NoTE’s music? What kind of musical experience will she bring to you? Do you believe she will be the next superstar of the music industry?

Come leave a comment and tell us what you expect from tj NoTE!

Matchstick and Skeletons, Music will Blow Up Your Ears

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Matchstick and Skeletons, just seeing these two words conjures up images of dark, crazy punk or rock. Well, today’s band is The Matchstick Skeletons from Canada.

The story of The Matchstick Skeletons is one of passion and adventure. The determination and musicianship of vocalist Neu Mannas and drummer Matty Carolei have come together to create this unique and dynamic band.

With a wealth of experience gained from a decade of touring, they recorded a record at the legendary Rockfield Studios in Wales. This place could be considered a musical shrine, having seen the birth of classics such as ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ and ‘OK Computer’. It was here that the Matchstick Skulls found their inspiration and their calling.

Giving up a major label deal, they created the band their hearts had always yearned for. Drawing inspiration from funk records and crazy old school rock and roll, they shaped their own unique sound and world. While recording the album, Ryan Stead and Cole Friesen joined the band to create amazing music.

The Matchstick Skulls are known for their amazing live performances and have played and toured with many well-known bands. Their music is mesmerizing with energy and passion. Right in the middle of the global blackout, they remained steadfast in their musical charisma as they toured the United States.

Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, the band didn’t stop writing and performing. Mind you, writing in COVID is not an easy task. Lead singer Neu Mannas trekked through the California desert with his dog, a bunch of instruments, and the band’s RV to complete their debut album, Change The Channel. Filled with personal stories and heartfelt emotions, this album is a new chapter in their musical journey. If you know road music, this album has a free-spirited feel to it, as if they are riding in the middle of the highway.

Now, the music of Matchstick Skulls has crossed the boundaries of time and space into our lives. Can’t you wait to hear their music? How do you think their music will make you feel?  Leave your feelings!

Billie fans we’ll see eachother in Vancouver on December 3rd!

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Maybe you know Billie Eilish? Even if you don’t know her, then you’ve definitely heard her song: ‘Bad Guy’ which was a popular song in 2018, so hot that many people went to imitate her music video at the time.

Her music is not only a performance, but also a power, a power that leads us to explore the depths of our heart. And now she’s coming to Vancouver to bring her unique music to millions of fans with a show that will blow the roof off her head.

The Vancouver show, slated for Dec. 3 at Rogers Arena, marks a major stop on her Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour North American tour. Surely, as a fan, you can’t wait to experience this musical extravaganza in person? Tickets go on sale May 3 at billieeilish.com, so be sure to get your tickets now, because this is a hard-to-find show!

Each of her shows is not only a musical feast, but also a call to action for the environment; Billie Eilish has always been committed to sustainable development and has incorporated this spirit into her musical activities. For this upcoming tour, she is encouraging fans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by using public transportation to get to the shows, and she is also encouraging fans to reduce their environmental impact by wearing old clothes instead of buying new fast-fashion clothing.

The show will also feature a water bottle exchange program aimed at reducing the use of single-use plastic waste. Environmental initiatives such as these make the entire show more meaningful and provide fans with the opportunity to get actively involved.

Billie Eilish is not only a musician but also a social activist. She has always been concerned about social issues such as climate change and gender equality, and has called for more attention to these issues through her actions and concerts. This sense of social responsibility has also become an integral part of her music career.

And in last year’s hit movie “Barbie“, she also composed a song especially for the touching hearts ⬇️

And there is no need to say much about her music, as her distinctive tone and heartfelt lyrics have long been deeply rooted in people’s hearts. From her debut album “When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?” to her latest “Hit Me Hard and Soft”, every song is a story, a lyric of emotion. Her style of music has captivated countless fans and is so immersive that you can’t help yourself.

So, what do you think of Billie Eilish’s music? Are you looking forward to this Vancouver show? Come share your thoughts!

It’s a lowercase e not a capital E!

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Rock history is full of unique and impactful bands, and e (lowercase!) is one of them. I think their band name is really unique, with special emphasis on the fact that it’s a lowercase letter e instead of a capital E. It’s a unique way to make you remember them. This experimental new wave project was born out of the Vancouver punk scene around 1980 and brought a new wave to the music scene at the time.

We should note that it was a cool thing that the 1980’s could make music so edgy.

The band was founded by Gary Middleclass (also known as Gary Bourgeois), a musician who recorded with underground punk bands Generator and the more famous Payola$. He joined forces with bassists Michael Wonderful, Brock Rock and Aleh to create the band’s initial lineup. With the help of producer Bob Rock, the group recorded synthesizer songs with electronic and punk influences and released their debut 7″, Reaction / Coincidence.

Subsequently, e’s music evolved, adopting a more minimalist approach and becoming part of the New Wave movement. The band’s youthful energy and minimalist synthesizers filled their upbeat albums, showcasing the energy of West Coast style punk rock. e’s only 12″ vinyl release, “Suspension Syndrome”, featured all of their tracks and showed them at their most experimental.

 

After 35 years, this vinyl is still fresh, and once again, the e band’s uniqueness is evident. Looking back at their music, we can not only feel the essence of punk music at the time, but also the charm of the new wave movement. Compared to other traditional punk bands, the uniqueness of e is their pursuit of experimentation. They never stuck to traditional rock instruments, but incorporated elements of synthesizers into their music, creating a completely new style of music. This bold, new experimentation made them stand out in the music scene at the time and set an example for later musicians to follow, gradually developing a style. It can be said that they were the leaders and pioneers of this style.

So, what do you think of the music of the band e? Do you think their music is still influential in today’s music scene?