TORONTO, Canada — On April 22, the red carpet at Hotel X Toronto hosted the Canadian premiere of “Unbroken: The Untold Story of Shen Yun,” an immersive documentary offering an intimate look into the lives behind the globally acclaimed performing arts company.
Among those in attendance were the film’s central figures, Shen Yun principal dancer Lucas Browde and his brother Jesse Browde, who appeared alongside their parents for the screening and post-film interviews. The evening unfolded as both a cinematic debut and a deeply personal reflection on identity, perseverance, faith, and artistic purpose.
Following the screening, Lucas Browde reflected on seeing his story portrayed on the big screen. “What moved me the most was the audience’s reaction. Usually, seeing yourself on screen feels very different from how others see you,” said Browde. “But watching people come up to us afterward, thanking us and showing their support, meant a lot to me. I didn’t expect the documentary to be this successful. Everyone’s efforts were rewarded, and that’s truly very touching.”
RELATED: ‘Unbroken’ Premieres in NYC, Highlighting Shen Yun’s 20-Year Legacy of Resilience
Reviving tradition under pressure
Founded in 2006, Shen Yun Performing Arts is the world’s premier classical Chinese dance and music company, showcasing the beauty and splendor of traditional Chinese culture and art prior to the ravages of communism. The New York-based company currently boasts eight equally sized troupes that tour and perform across the world simultaneously, putting on a brand new production each year.
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The documentary traces the evolution of Shen Yun since its founding, highlighting its mission to revive “China before communism” through classical Chinese dance, music, and storytelling. While the company has gained global recognition and praise, the film also underscores the challenges it faces, including reported diplomatic pressure, media attacks, threats, and disruptions targeting its performances.
RELATED: Bomb Threats Halt Shen Yun Shows in Canada Despite Police Clearance
Browde, who joined Shen Yun in 2021, emphasized the significance of the company’s work. “Shen Yun is doing something very important for society,” he said, adding, “It’s powerful, impactful, and essential. After seeing it, audiences change… When you know what you’re doing is right, you become fearless, nothing can stop you.”
He added that the film’s title carries a deeper meaning, “‘Unbroken’ represents a kind of resilience, no matter what happens or how difficult things become, you keep going,” he said, “To me, it reflects not only the resilience of Shen Yun artists, but also the perseverance of Falun Gong practitioners and all people of faith in the face of adversity.”
Many of Shen Yun’s performers and staff are practitioners of Falun Gong, a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline also known as Falun Dafa. The faith was immensely popular in China prior to being banned and subject to severe repression by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) starting in 1999. Because of the persecution, Shen Yun is not allowed to perform in mainland China.
Speaking on freedom, Browde noted, “In North America, we have democracy, freedom of speech, and freedom of expression. But these freedoms are under pressure. It’s a reminder not to take them for granted. People must protect these values together, otherwise, society will decline.”
A journey of identity and belonging
Born in the U.S. to a Chinese mother and Western father, Browde described a childhood marked by confusion over his mixed identity. “When I was younger, I looked more Asian. As I grew older, my features changed,” said Browde, adding, “At one point, I wanted to be more Asian, and later, more white. But eventually, I let go of that and embraced both sides of who I am.”
After joining Shen Yun, he immersed himself in Chinese language and traditional culture, eventually becoming fluent enough to converse with his mother in Mandarin. Reuniting with his brother at Fei Tian Academy also marked a turning point. “We used to fight all the time as kids. But after reuniting, we never fought again. Now, we support each other; it’s like always having family by your side.”
Browde described Shen Yun as a “second home” where artists can truly thrive. “No matter what happens, we support each other and get through challenges together,” he said, adding, “When you face difficulties, being surrounded by your closest friends and mentors pushes you to become better everyday.”
Art as a spiritual expression
Browde stressed that Shen Yun’s performances go beyond technical skill . “We’re not just dancing, we’re putting our souls into it,” he said, “Dance isn’t about who jumps higher or spins faster. It’s about who can express beauty more vividly and become a better person.”
Reflecting on his role in the film, he said, “I’m not the best dancer or the best person, but I can tell my story and make an impact. That’s something very special.” Jesse Browde began training in classical Chinese dance at age 12 and was admitted to Fei Tian Academy before turning 15. “I grew up watching Shen Yun every year—it was a core part of my childhood.
After attending a summer camp for classical Chinese dance, everything changed.” He described participating in the documentary as a “surreal” experience. “Shen Yun had already gone through so much before we joined. To represent those stories on screen and fulfill a childhood dream is an honor.”
When asked if he had any advice for young dancers, he said, “No matter what, take things step by step. Focus on improving every day. That consistency is what got me here.”
Defending artistic freedom
Their father, Levi Browde, said the film’s message extends beyond Shen Yun itself. “This isn’t just Shen Yun’s story, it’s the story of anyone who values freedom and is willing to sacrifice for it. It’s an American story, a Canadian story, a universal story.” He noted that both sons were originally baseball players before transitioning into dance, a shift that brought not only artistic achievement but also discipline and personal growth.
The premiere drew a full audience, with attendees expressing strong support for Shen Yun’s mission. “These artists are incredibly courageous,” said former Canadian naval officer Francesca Colussi. “Seeing young people stand up against what is clearly wrong is deeply inspiring.”
Retired lawyer Darlene Varaleau added, “This is a beautiful, disciplined performance that Canadians want to see. We should not allow anyone to interfere. Canada must take these threats seriously.”