Joel Salaysay is a Canadian filmmaker based in Vancouver. His work ranges from live-action, to documentary, and 3D animation. His directing credits include the award-winning Lifers and Last Night, and the Netflix series Sonic Prime.
Wok Hei follows an Asian-Canadian mother restoring a rusty family wok, and in-so-doing, reconnecting with her cultural roots.
Joel Salaysay is a very familiar face to the festival. He took home the Audience Choice Award in 2017 with his short Last Night, which also screened as part of our Choice Cuts online event in 2021. At our virtual fest in 2021 we also programmed his documentary short Home Cooking. We are excited for the opportunity to present Wok Hei as part of our final festival!