Finch and Midland

Probably the ultimate side quest of 2025 was seeing myself on the big screen. I acted in Finch and Midland with the legendary HK actor Anthony Wong. It was an experience that shifted the way I think about artistry and craft.

Anthony Wong and Jaden in a kitchen scene from Finch and Midland
A wide shot of two characters on a couch in a dim living roomJaden on the camera monitor on set

I could tell that Anthony was someone that took great care in understanding the script. But the moment the camera started rolling, it was as if the script melted away and he just lived the character. This was probably my first experience working with someone who was so clearly a master of their craft up close. I had come to really admire the unapologetic authenticity that he brought to everything he worked on.

A message from Anthony Wong: we are going back to the hotel. See u tomorrow. Good job son

Our movie showed in theatres all across Canada and Hong Kong. But before that it made its way for premieres around the international film circuit. And I made my way around with it.

A full cinema audience posing for a photo at a premiere of the film
One of the premieres of the movie!

I always see acting as one of the rawest forms of human expression. To act is to inhabit someone else's truth, to become a window into a slice of life you were never meant to see from the inside. I think it's beautiful to have the chance to share something so vulnerable with the people watching. But I suppose playing a lost, lonely and misunderstood teen wasn't a difficult undertaking at the time since it wasn't really acting.

Jaden in silhouette smoking, in a still from the film
Me smoking weed in the movie.

We went from film premiere to premiere; Vancouver to Toronto, Hong Kong to Taipei. It was truly amazing to see the touching impact it had on a lot of the audience.

Jaden signing programmes for fans
Signing programmes at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival.
The cast on the Golden Horse red carpet, on a live TV broadcast
A screenshot my mom took, watching the awards on TV back home in Toronto.
Jaden with the Finch and Midland team on the red carpet at the 62nd Golden Horse Awards
The team posing at a Golden Horse backdrop at nightJaden pulling a surprised face in his seat at the ceremonyThe Golden Horse stage seen from the audience
Some pics from Taipei!

My dear friend Tim, the director of the film, says that to be in filmmaking one must always be ready to play make believe. I think this resonates deeply with the values I've tried to embody. Being honest about your work, and treating it like playing in the sandbox.