Doc Feature SPRING AFTER SPRING to Release for Lunar New Year

Jon Chiang’s debut documentary feature, Spring After Spring, will begin its highly-anticipated theatrical run this February in celebration of Lunar New Year.

The film, commissioned by Knowledge Network, launches with a special event screening and panel. The event takes place at the Chinatown Storytelling Centre in Vancouver on February 1st with the filmmakers and subjects in attendance and will continue its run at the VIFF Centre starting February 6th, 2026. 

A Mother’s Wish

In Spring After Spring, the daughters of Mimie Ho, a driving force in the annual Vancouver Chinatown parade, navigate the choice between honouring their past and letting it go. The three sisters defied their mother’s wishes and became accomplished dancers, eldest sister​ Anabel Ho​ is the founder of Vancouver Academy of Dance carrying on the tradition of educating youth about Chinese Dance; Val Ho​, aka ​”Ms.Vee​,” ​ is a distinguished hip hop dancer and Juilliard School’s first hip hop dance instructor;​ and the youngest, Lisa Ho, ​starred on Broadway in Mama Mia, Shrek, Chorus Line and other shows.

After their mother’s death, the sisters reunite each Chinese New Year to lead the parade. In doing so they confront their own fractured identities and must decide if their mother’s legacy means continuing this tradition. The documentary weaves intimate interviews, archival footage and evocative visuals into a poignant family story.

“I’m so excited to share in the celebration of Lunar New Year with Spring After Spring,” says Chiang. “It is such a gift to have the Ho sisters in person at the Chinatown Storytelling Centre and have the chance to share the film with the rest of the city at the VIFF Centre.”

Jon Chiang

Jon Chiang (Chifa Studios) is an award-winning Chinese-Peruvian filmmaker based in Vancouver, BC. Growing up straddling multiple identities, his upbringing has shaped his approach to his films. He’s worked with broadcasters including CBC, Knowledge Network and TELUS originals and his films have screened at the Whistler Film Festival, VAFF, AIFF, Reel Asian, VIMFF, and NOWNESS.

The documentary will be available nationally when it launches on the Knowledge Network on February 17th, 2026 at 9 pm PST. It had its world premiere at the Vancouver Asian Film Festival. There it took home the award for Best Canadian Feature.

Jon Chiang 蒋樂輝 writes, directs and produces Spring After Spring. Joanna Wong 黄如意 (House Special) produces with Peter Planta (Anything for Fame) serving as director of photography. Editor is Coline Debray (Union Street). Lynn Booth (America’s Wild Seasons) and Tiffany Hsiung 熊邦琳 (JANE) executive produce the film. Hsiung also serves as consulting story producer.

Phil Planta (Beyond Redemption) is Associate Producer. Brian Chan 陳熙樂 and Caleb Chan 陳熙良 (North of North) are the film’s composers. The film features Anabel Ho 何翠賢, Val Ho aka Ms.Vee 何慧賢, Lisa Ho 何淑賢 and Maria Mimie Ho 何李美薇.

SPRING AFTER SPRING only exists with the support of Knowledge Network, the Canada Media Fund and Roger Documentary Fund.

Screenings

The Chinatown Storytelling Centre – Screening and Q&A

• Date: Sunday, February 1, 2026

• Address: 168 East Pender Street, Vancouver, BC

• Time: 2 pm to 5pm PST with a Q&A to follow screening with director Jon Chiang and SPRING AFTER SPRING subjects Anabel, Val “Ms. Vee” and Lisa Ho

VIFF Centre – Theatrical Premiere

• Date: February 6th, 2026
• Address: 1181 Seymour Street, Vancouver, BC
• Time: 6:30pm PST with a Q&A to follow the screening with director Jon Chiang and subjects Anabel and Lisa Ho

Tickets: Chinatown Storytelling Centre Event Tickets

SOURCE: chifastudios