Chicken balls being covered in sweet-and-sour sauceA documentary produced by UWindsor film professor Tony Lau tells the story of a family-run Chinese restaurant spreading deep-fried holiday cheer.

Film professor documents sweet and sour sides to Christmas

While most Canadians have days off in December to spend time with family and friends, restaurants across the country are scrambling to crank out Canadian Chinese comfort food.

A short documentary produced by UWindsor film professor Tony Lau tells the story of a family-run Chinese restaurant spreading deep-fried cheer.

A Sweet & Sour Christmas is now available through the CBC Gem streaming service and on YouTube. It is a portrait of the Ho family, owners of Kitchener’s King Wok Restaurant.

The film explores the bittersweet balance of business and life through two meals: one, the staples of take-out Chinese Canadian cuisine delivered across the city, and the other a traditional Cantonese feast for the entire family coming together on Christmas night.

The production crew included two UWindsor alumni, notes Lau — sound mixer Jordan Cutler and camera assistant Armend Bajrami.

A Sweet & Sour Christmas won the audience choice award at the Boston Asian American Film Festival. Watch it now: