AAPI Shorts: Chicago!

7 shorts from emerging to well established filmmakers from Chicago exhibit the rising wave of the AAPI film scene in the windy city.

Wednesday, May 22nd, 2024
6:00 PM

Gene Siskel Film Center
164 N State St, Chicago, IL 60601

TICKETS

Whitewash

Directed, Written & Produced by Jerry Hsu

After being accepted into the ‘Ivory Estates’, a queer Asian man moves in with his new fiancé and discovers that he’s the only person of color in the neighborhood— among the estates' other secrets.

The Bridge

Directed, Written & Produced by Chu Ki Won
https://www.june-films.com/

THE BRIDGE explores the diaspora of Korean War Orphans who sit in the blurred lines of American Imperialism. This is a non-sequential visual poem telling the story of children in survival.

All The Ways to Say I Love You

Directed by Maya Wanner
https://www.mayawanner.com/

As the filmmaker and her mother attempt to heal their relationship, their memories reflect, refract, and reverberate in this personal multi-generational documentary about forgiveness and reconnection.

Arrangements

Directed & Written by Thavary Krouch
[In-Person for Q&A]
https://www.thavarykrouch.com

Two estranged cousins reunite for a wedding. Old resentments and awkward tensions arise as they spend a day shopping for wedding floral arrangements.

Produced by Daniel Lamkin
Executive Producer: Jess Wright
Line Producer: Myles T Teague
Director of Photgraphy: Christopher Rejano
Sound Design by John Wong
Composed by David Deutsch
Editor: Ana Christian

The Story of a Stranded Frog

Directed, Written & Produced by Steven Yao
[In-Person for Q&A]

Michelle, a 20-year-old lonely Korean student in Prague spends her last day taking care of her only true friend: a pet frog.

Cinematography by Om Patel
Assitant Directed by Lynne Park

Champion

Directed & Written by Kim J.Y. Han
https://www.kimjyhan.com/

A 9-year-old Korean girl seeks to rebuild a sense of community and mend her broken heart, after moving to California without her "goose father."

Produced by D.J. Jiang, Diana Ward

Befriending

Directed by Luyao Tian, Briana Lim

When overachieving high schooler Helen starts volunteering on a suicide helpline, she realizes that she lacks the words to have difficult conversations not only with callers but also with her younger brother. What happens when you want to help but don't know how?

Written by Luyao Tian
Produced by Akosua-Asamoabea Ampofo