Congratulation Hisayo! Our first Bamboo Shoot winner. Click to see her video.

Judges' Comments:

RF: This is a creative synthesis of content and form, with an evocative central motif (the cherry blossom), an uplifting message, effective storytelling, and a lovely mix of animation and documentary. I love the quirky details, like measuring the size of the cherry blossoms. I feel the artist has strong control of her material, and I appreciate the fact that it directly addresses the question of HIV/AIDS with an eye to inclusion and diversity.

JSA: This is a wonderful video. The combination of video and animation was very creative.  I enjoyed seeing images of community people and the animated figures looked like they were made with love and care!

The script was well crafted.  I think the metaphor of the Japanese Cherry Blossom tree finding a way to flourish in Canada was relevant to ACAS’ spirit of community building and supporting people through feelings of displacement and loss.

I liked the dialogue between the narrator and the notebook writer.  You have a good sense of humour and you have created an inspiring video.  Congratulations Hisayo!

See the other contestants's video.

We like to thank all volunteers who made this happened.

BAMBOO SHOOT is produced by ACAS Media & Arts Group.

the judges:

Richard Fung

Writer, critic, educator, curator and artist, Toronto-based Richard Fung is best known for his work in video. Through eloquent narratives his videos have variously examined the politics of gender, ethnicity and sexual orientation. Often invoking personal experience and cultural history in his work, Fung has explored the impact of discrimination, history, and memory on identity. His work has been featured in exhibitions and festivals worldwide and can be found in many public collections and universities. A recipient of many awards, Fung received the Bell Canada Award for Video Art in 2000. He teaches at the Ontario College of Art and Design.

Jo SiMalaya Alcampo

video maker, photographer, DJ and community worker.

In 2003, Jo screened her first video "i am good inside" at the Inside Out Lesbian and Gay Film and Video Festival and received the Mikey/Shmikey Audience Award for Best Short Film or Video.

Jo studies Integrated Media at the Ontario College of Art & Design and has received recognition for her academic and artwork including the Mark S. Bonham Scholarship for Queer Studies in Film & Video and a National Millennium Scholarship Award.

In March 2008, Jo was proud to direct a short play for the Kapisanan Philippine Centre and Carlos Bulosan Theatre about coming out, fairy godmother drag queens, and remembering to breathe.

Jo's website is www.seeingstories.com

Patrick Truong