Converge is proud to present an exclusive screening of the film The Apology with director Tiffany Hsiung. Following the screening, there will be a Q&A period facilitated by the Senior Manager of the Directors Guild of Canada, Hans Engel.

Synopsis:

The Apology follows the personal journeys of three former “comfort women” who were among the 200,000 girls and young women kidnapped and forced into military sexual slavery by the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II.

Some 70 years after their imprisonment in so-called “comfort stations”, the three “grandmothers—Grandma Gil in South Korea, Grandma Cao in China, and Grandma Adela in the Philippines—face their twilight years in fading health. After decades of living in silence and shame about their past, they know that time is running out to give a first-hand account of the truth and ensure that this horrific chapter of history is not forgotten.

Whether they are seeking a formal apology from the Japanese government or summoning the courage to finally share their secret with loved ones, their resolve moves them forward as they seize this last chance to set future generations on a course for reconciliation, healing, and justice.

Tiffany Hsiung Bio:

Tiffany Hsiung is an award-winning filmmaker based in Toronto. Whether it is filmmaking or teaching, Hsiung’s work has taken her through and beyond the diverse communities of her hometown, and well across the globe.

Hsiung’s approach to storytelling is driven by the relationship that is built with the people she meets. By shooting much of her own work, Hsiung obtains unobtrusive access to the stories she captures.