A select few Calgarians will soon get a chance to study television writing with one of Canada’s most celebrated playwrights and TV creators: Ins Choi.

The Dora Award winning playwright and creator of ultra-popular Canadian sitcom Kim’s Convenience will be demystifying the world of writing for television during an intensive two-day writing workshop in May as part of the FascinAsian Film Festival.

“He wants to share his talent and passion for writing with some people who are interested in script writing,” said Judy Eng-Hum, director for the FascinAsian Film Festival.

“He wants to support Asian talent… [and after] a reach out to him, he wholeheartedly agreed to come on board.”

Interested participants can apply for the workshop through the FascinAsian website. Applicants must be Asian heritage or background, or BIPOC, provide a sample of their writing and a cover letter.

Choi will be reviewing each submission package personally, said Eng-Hum.

The deadline for submissions has been extended to Saturday, April 15.

Film festival celebration of Asian culture

Eng-Hum said that the second annual FascinAsian Film Festival was more than just about showing films.

“Our film festival is not only about showcasing Asian talent on film, it’s all about media and opportunities,” she said.

“It’s more than a film festival. It’s learning about the culture, and learning about how, as an Asian, you can get involved in media.”

The festival will also be featuring a panel discussion with Choi on growing up as an Asian artist in Canada, and his experiences as a writer.

He will also be doing a reading from his latest work of poetry.

Participation in the panel session is $10, or is free with a weekend festival Super Pass.

The festival opens on May 11 and runs until May 14, with a pre-festival free film showing on Thursday, May 10.

Tickets are available now at fff2023yyc.eventive.org/welcome.