‘Authentic’: Chinese-Canadian director’s queer love story starring Joan Chen
Chinese-Canadian director Xiaodan He discusses her new film, 'Montreal, My Beautiful,' which explores the life of a Chinese immigrant woman in Montreal. The film, starring Joan Chen, highlights themes of cultural identity and queer romance.
Why it matters
The film represents the growing visibility of queer Asian-diaspora narratives in international cinema.
Director Xiaodan He immigrated from China to Montreal, Canada, 24 years ago. While many of her previous film projects were filmed in China, she returned to the French-speaking city for her newest film, Montreal, My Beautiful (2025).
“The decision was very simple: I just really wanted to shoot a film in Montreal because I hadn’t done so yet,” she says. “I think it feels very cinematic, and through my eyes, it would look very beautiful on screen.”
The 51-year-old Chinese-Canadian filmmaker did not just write and direct Montreal, My Beautiful, but is also the founder of the film’s production company, Red Dawn Productions.
The film follows Feng Xia – played by legendary actress Joan Chen – a 53-year-old Chinese immigrant running a small Montreal convenience store and trapped in a loveless marriage.
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