Desire in Motion

The Art of Woo is a captivating romantic comedy about Alessa Woo (Sook-Yin Lee), an ambitious woman who dreams of conquering the Toronto art scene, and Ben Crowchild (Adam Beach), a soft-spoken Cree artist who moves in next door. From their first encounter, Alessa and Ben feel cosmically connected and not just because they share an adjoining bathroom and a mutual passion for art. Alessa’s determination as a curator intrigues Ben, who has more hidden connections to the art world than Alessa realizes. As the pair spend more time together, their carefully-curated lives begin to unravel and secrets from the past test their budding romance.

The Art of Woo was ahead of its time when it debuted in 2001, a period when film critics couldn’t accept two non-white romantic leads and a bold script that is still as inspiring today as it was two decades ago. The film brilliantly explores the deeply human desire to transcend the material world and live a fulfilling life on one’s own terms.