(Minghui.org) The Canadian premiere of NTD TV’s new documentary Unbroken: The Untold Story of Shen Yun took place at Hotel X Toronto on April 22, 2026.
The event featured a red carpet reception, a screening of the documentary, and a Q&A session with Shen Yun artists and the film’s producer. The premiere also drew acclaim and support from elected officials and attendees.
Former MP Wladyslaw Lizon honors Shen Yun artists at the Canadian red carpet premiere of the documentary Unbroken: The Untold Story of Shen Yun.
Shen Yun Artists: “Nothing Will Stop You”
Lucas and Jesse Browde, brothers who were featured in the documentary, with their parents at the Canadian premiere
Lucas Browde, a principal dancer with Shen Yun, said in an interview at the premiere, “Shen Yun is something that I once strived to become part of, and now it’s changed me as a person. It has taught me so much through dance... It has taught me so many life lessons.”
He said he continues to perform with the company despite pressure from the CCP’s interference, because he feels Shen Yun is “doing something that is very important for society.
“It’s very impactful, very influential, and very important,” he said. “It changes someone after watching... and if you know that what you’re doing is right, you’re not afraid to do it. Nothing will stop you.”
Lillian Parker, a principal dancer with Shen Yun
Lillian Parker, a principal dancer for Shen Yun who was born in the Toronto area, said it felt, “Very surreal” to be part of the dance company’s 20th anniversary this year.
“So many people have put so much into this show, and I’m just one tiny, tiny part of this miracle,” she said. “I really feel very honored that I get to be part of this experience.”
She said her favorite part about performing with Shen Yun is being part of a community of performers who have a higher mission and are striving to be better people.
“It just creates such an uplifting and pure environment, and it’s a place where you really grow, but there is no cutthroat competition,” she said. “It’s just everyone helping each other, so I just feel so lucky that I get to grow and thrive in this environment.”
Recognition From Elected Officials
Melissa Lantsman, a Toronto-area Member of Parliament and Deputy Leader of the Opposition, and her letter
Melissa Lantsman MP sent a letter welcoming the film, “which showcases the profound cultural impact of Shen Yun.”
She wrote: “Despite aggression, threats, and challenges, you continue to fearlessly spread your message – doing what you know to be right even in the face of unprecedented difficulties. The screening of this film stands as a celebration of the excellence, courage, and enduring spirit of your community.”
She thanked Shen Yun for “embodying the values we cherish” and for its “devotion to freedom, democracy, and liberal values, through thick and thin, through fire and water.”
Garnett Genuis MP and his letter
Garnett Genuis MP wrote in his letter, “Many people know of and attend Shen Yun for the beauty of the artistry, not knowing the full story behind this important performance and why it has faced such significant attempts at suppression by foreign regimes over the years. This year has been particularly difficult, with attempts at suppression growing both in scope, severity, and impact.”
Scott Reid MP and his letter
Scott Reid MP wrote in his letter, “Shen Yun has been introducing audiences across Canada, and beyond, to Chinese culture and history, for decades, and it is wonderful to see that it will carry on with its mission, undaunted.”
Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Member of the Ontario Provincial Parliament and Ontario’s Minister of Long-Term Care, and her letter
Natalia Kusendova-Bashta MPP wrote in her letter, “The journey of Shen Yun, founded by artists seeking creative freedom, continues to inspire many through its dedication to cultural preservation and expression.”
Recognition from James Pasternak, Toronto City Councilor
Toronto City Councilor James Pasternak wrote, “Through storytelling and film, this screening brings forward themes of perseverance, identity, and the enduring value of artistic expression in the face of adversity.”
Recognition from Brad Butt, Mississauga City Councilor
Mississauga City Councilor Brad Butt wrote, “I would like to extend my warmest greetings to everyone attending tonight’s event.”
Attendees Voice Support After Viewing Documentary
Nora at the screening
Nora, who works with a veterans’ organization, has seen Shen Yun three times and enjoyed learning about the performers’ behind-the-scene life in the documentary.
She said she was saddened by the recent cancellation of Shen Yun performances in Toronto due to bomb threats. “Toronto is a diverse city. It is heartbreaking to know that there are people who would attempt to silence them due to different viewpoints. This is only a dance and music performance. What’s wrong with that?” she said.
“We must widely spread the word. For example, how media that spread rumors operate and why the performances were canceled. If our whole country learns lessons from the problems of other countries, we can prevent similar events from taking place in our own country,”
Derek at the screening
Independent activist Derek said after seeing the documentary, “Especially in the current environment, they still remain very respectable and extremely dedicated.
“Shen Yun should be incorporated in schools. The CCP wants to destroy China’s history, profound culture, and philosophies. Thank you, Shen Yun, for preserving these. Everyone should watch Shen Yun,” he said.
Derek also believed that the CCP’s transnational repression is anti-humanity. “I did some research. The persecution is a crime against humanity, not just against the Chinese. This issue should be more publicly discussed. I hope to see more people learning about it,” he said.
Stephen at the screening
Stephen, an attorney, learned about the CCP’s actions behind Western media outlets’ misinformed articles about Shen Yun and said, “The CCP should not extend into democratic countries to attempt to impose their values and limit arts and speech.”
Masi (left) and Arash at the documentary
Masi and Arash had seen Shen Yun before. Arash said, “Shen Yun not only brings audiences a performance, but deeper meanings. The CCP does not want people to see Shen Yun so they try anything to stop it.”
Masi said, “The CCP is attempting to forcibly promote communism in democratic countries. This is a threat to national sovereignty.”
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