Every year, I like to create at least one short film just for my own sanity. So, Kristine Gerolaga and I went out to my favorite place in the city AKA Koreatown (of course), to shoot a little something something. You may have noticed that Kristine was my actress from my short last year, Blue Paradise (See here) for the YOMYOMF + Justin Lin short film competition. She also directed her own short for that called Hit or Miss and it's one of my favorite shorts (See here). While we were shooting this, we realized that this story could be a continuation of Blue Paradise. 

Blue Nights follows an an aspiring actress who leaves her mom a heartfelt voicemail during one somber night in Koreatown. I wanted to show the realities of being a struggling artist living in Los Angeles. As second generation Asian-Americans, many of us still feel obligated to comply to our parent's wishes and this film was a way to show how sometimes we have to sugarcoat our lives to them in order to keep pursuing our dreams, no matter how lonely that journey may be. I hope you enjoy. 

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Last summer, I shot something on the fly with a group of impassioned girlfriends with no money & no plan. The result is Wildest Dreams which features my friend Michelle and I playing two teenagers who spend a night in Koreatown, talking about our dreams & shit.

Out of many shorts I’ve made and despite the lack of resources and preparation that went into this, this short film has got to be one of my favorites as it embodies my filmic style, themes, and story. I never intended on showing it publicly considering it's conditions but this short film is truly a labor of love that's 1000% coming from our hearts. Thanks Jennifer for producing it, Jacqueline for DPing, Andrew for Camera oping, & Chris Hahn for sound editing & Michelle for always being so down to collaborate with me. I hope you watch & enjoy, I would really appreciate it. Much love. XOXO

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My beautiful actress, Kristine Gerolaga of my Yomyomf Interpretations 2.0 short film, Blue Paradise, is also a filmmaker and made her own short film called Hit or Miss. Hit or Miss made it to the top 15 and I could not be happier! Hit or Miss is about an amateur fighter who grieves over the loss of her mother while sparring with her new instructor. With only 4 lines of dialogue and capping at 3 minutes, Hit or Miss is a beautifully immersive experience that touches on the universal and poignant struggle of losing a loved one. It's so well done in terms of cinematography, sound design and acting. Voting is still in progress so give Kristine is a big thumbs up so she can possibly direct her next short film with Justin Lin! Vote here.

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Surprise you guys! YOMYOMF + Justin Lin have teamed up to bring you the Interpretations 2.0 shorts contest and I have submitted my own short called Blue Paradise! The rules were that we could only use four lines of dialogue: "Don't do that", "Of course", & "I have my doubts", "What is it?" and it had to be under 3 minutes!

I have always been fascinated by how people process grief and so when I read these lines, this story about a man retreating to his safe haven after finding out his girlfriend's infidelity, came immediately to mind! It's dark, nuanced, and plays with sexuality and gender roles.

Now that I submitted it, we shall just wait to see if it passes the selection process! Whatever the outcome, I really enjoyed bringing this story to life and am so thankful to all my friends who have helped make this into a reality. I hope you watch it in fullscreen with the audio blasting! & let me know your thoughts!

My Interpretations Page

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Polish director Krzysztof Kieslowski is one of the most influential and visionary auteurs of all time. He has created some of the most lush, powerful, and resonating films of his era and still till this day is regarded as the most important pieces of cinema. His revolutionary Three Colors trilogy has been very dear to my heart and have singularly inspired my own work as a filmmaker. He taps into the beauty of human nature and show it in all it's raw, poignant, and transcendent essence. 

The people over at Bandb have put together a tribute documentary titled, Memoirs of an Angel, which provides a comprehensive and dynamic portrait of the unparalleled artist. Using footage from his films and documentary as well as interviews from Krzysztof Kieslowski: I'm So-So, I can't wait to watch this and more of his films. 

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There are some things in life that you just can't unsee. THIS IS ONE OF THOSE THINGS! Samantha simply wants to be like every other girl and post up a selfie on Instagram but she can't because she was born with a butthole for a mouth. Yes, A BUTTHOLE FOR A MOUTH. Eduardo Casanova's grotesque yet endearing Spanish short film, Eat My Shit, takes a look at a girl who was  born different and it sends a direct and unforgettable message. It's one of the most outlandish, brilliant, and downright barf-inducing shorts I've ever witnessed (and survived) but you will be fantastically transfixed by it all! (Tbh, I'm scarred, horrified, & everything in between. Abort! Abort!) Eat My Shit is screening at SXSW in the Midnight Shorts Competition. I don't think anyone will ever be ready to see something like this so now is a good a time as any!

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"I'm not on a mission. I'm not trying to start a revolution." In MissMe: The Artful Vandal, renowned Montreal-based artist MissMe quit her successful job at one of the world's top advertising agencies and became an underground street artist. Director Mohammad Gorjestani crafts a beautifully shot and enthralling portrait of MissMe who simply just want to provide a counter-voice to the objectification of women in mainstream advertising. Although she has no intentions of starting a revolution, her work and voice is a powerful testament to the cause itself. MissMe posts up images of iconic and influential women like Nina Simone, Frida Kahlo, and even herself in her unmistakeable mouse mask. She's the kind of modern day superhero I've been waiting for. MissMe: The Artful Vandal premieres at SXSW in the Documentary Shorts competition.

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What is the Girl Talk Series?

The Girl Talk Series is back and this time it is Teen Edition in It's a Love & Hate Relationship.16-year-old Adriana and Vishwa discuss growing up in the digital age and their love & hate relationship with social media. It's hard enough being a teen but with the whole world at your finger tips, it's difficult not to be fazed by the immense pressures of judgement and anxiety that come with publicly sharing your life with everyone. As young as they may be, they share incredible insight on the inner turmoil of the effects of social media as well as the positive aspects of it. As the first generation to truly grow up in the digital age, they have mastered the ins and outs of social media and understand the protocol for the various platforms ranging from Instagram to Facebook to Snapchat to Vine. Their words and thoughts may transport you back to your own teenage years as they paint a picture of their world but underneath it all, their message is a universal one.

Previous Episode

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After the tremendous success of Sean Baker's film, Tangerine, it was only natural that he would be getting offers left and right. But it was only in my wildest dreams that one of my favorite fashion powerhouses, the Japanese-Parisian line, KENZO would ever tap Baker to make their next short film. Introducing their collab short film, Snowbird features the KENZO Spring-Summer 2016 collection from Creative Directors Humberto Leon and Carol Lim. The story follows Young Theo (Abbey Lee), a young woman living in a remote desert community. Entirely shot on the iPhone, the story showcases a beautifully universal story that is equally whimsical as it is real. If there's anyone that can capture the gritty sweetness of real life, it's Sean Baker. 

I was fortunate enough to be invited to the Snowbird Premiere party this past Tuesday. It was incredibly delightful to see it on the big screen as it should be experienced with the music blasting through the speakers. I did not expect to see so many celebrities and fashion bloggers and while I am usually not starstruck, the sight of Carrie Brownstein made me squeal like a little piggy! 

But above all, Snowbird is one of my favorite things Sean has done yet! He continues to make refreshing and ground-breaking stories that are built around real people and communities and this time, in Slab City, CA. Accompanied by Stephonik Youth's kickass tunes, Snowbird hits all the right notes and even gives you a little extra with its surprising ending that'll have you reaching for the nearest tissue. I can't wait to see what he does next! But in the meantime, check out Tangerine (See Review) if you haven't!

(L-R: KENZO Creative Directors Humberto Leon and Carol Lim, Abbey Lee, & Director Sean Baker)

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Elizabeth Lo's remarkable short film, Hotel 22 documents one night on the 24-hour bus in the California Bay Area which serves as a shelter to the area's homeless. Lo is a Stanford University MFA student who spent countless nights on the bus to get to know the environment and people. With 6 days of shooting and over 30 hours of footage, Lo condensed the film to make the story seamlessly feel like only one night. Enter into the unfiltered and raw lives of the many homeless and their safe haven that is Bus 22. 

The short film premiered at Sundance Film Festival which was met with praise, eventually leading Lo to be named one of the "25 New Faces of Film" in Filmmaker Magazine. It's the short's observational yet immersive filmmaking style that immediately makes Hotel 22 an engrossing watch. I was actually surprised when it ended because I wanted to know more about these unique characters who are ironically living in the booming money town of Silicon Valley. Lo is currently expanding Hotel 22 into a tonally different feature that will premiere next year that will focus on more of her interactions with her subjects. I definitely cannot wait Elizabeth, I cannot wait!

Follow Elizabeth Lo

Website // Facebook

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After I had watched Thom Andersen's Los Angeles Plays Itself last year, I hit up Tony Zhou of Every Frame a Painting on twitter saying how the film reminded me a lot of his work and that he should try to make a film (see here). He responded stating that although making a feature length film would probably drive him mad, he considered making a short video called Vancouver Never Plays Itself. Fast forward to present day and ladies and gentlemen, he has made the video and it's finally here!

Contrary to Andersen's film, Zhou goes on to talk about how in film, Vancouver is almost never represented as itself but often disguised as other cities. With acute observation and witty narration, Zhou continues to enlighten and education cinephiles across the globe in ways that film school has never been able to! Needless to say, I'm glad I gave Zhou the little push he needed to finish this video that was already in the making. Vancouver Never Plays Itself has got to be one of my favorite videos of his as it is not only insightful but poignant and powerful to see in the frame of his own personal connection to his hometown of Vancouver! Be sure to continue supporting Tony and all his fantastic work! Go Tony!

Follow Tony Zhou

YouTube // Vimeo // Twitter // Tumblr

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You may remember Leah Shore's work from when I shared her engrossingly hilarious & eye-popping short film, I Love You So Much last year. She returns yet again with a provocative short film called Hallway, which premiered at this year's SXSW Film Festival! As Shore describes it, Hallway is "queer, about mental disability and existential breakdowns and is set in a real Brooklyn sex dungeon." (If that doesn't grab your attention, you're dead inside!) She had wanted to create something that was both sexually and gender neutral as to not be categorized. And naturally in the name of love, there are no boundaries. I've always enjoyed Shore's work as they are thought-provoking, visually mind-fucking, & simply so emotionally powerful! Take a ride into the trippy mind of Leah Shore & you'll know what I mean!

Follow Leah Shore
Website // Blog // Vimeo // Twitter

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Yorgos Lanthimos is leading the Greek Weird Wave Cinema movement with his genre-bending and provocative films like Dogtooth and Alps. The subject of identity is nothing new as seen in this video essay prepared as part of the Melbourne International Film Festival Critics Campus program. Conor Bateman looks at the way Lanthimos' narratives present the transformation of identity in three of his films-- Kinetta, Dogtooth, and Alps. Lanthimos dares to challenge not only his characters but the audience to face the absurdity of the society we live in. His next film The Lobster is executed in the same satirical themes and is sure to ignite some conversations about our society's orthodox perception of matrimonial status and true love. Take a gander below and if you haven't seen any of his films, be ready to have your mind-blown!

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There are times you witness a visual masterpiece that caters so exactly to you artistic palette, it makes you grimace that you didn't know who these people were before. That's exactly how I feel about Lorn's ethereal tunes and R113's magnificent work behind their Acid Rain music video. R113 is a Los Angeles based film collective that specializes in music videos, commercials, and films. Take a gander at this insanely dark and vibrant work of art that has everything I ever wanted (in life): zombie cheerleaders, neon-lite diners, and b0mbtastic dances! Did I mention the orgasmic jams by Lorn?! Ugh, this has been on repeat for a while now. Get ready to have your mind-bllooown!

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What is the Girl Talk Series?

In the fourth episode of the Girl Talk Series, But That's Life, Right?, Grace & Bomy have a major heart to heart moment and share their own personal stories of loss especially being at such a young age. The topic of loss is one that I feel the most connected to especially transitioning from a young girl to a woman and just dealing with life. Grace & Bomy are the youngest girls featured in the Girl Talk Series and yet, they have experience hardship that many of us haven't even experienced entering our mid-twenties and on. As much as our young generation is inundated and ruled by the presence of digital media and technology, there are always moments of true connect and bond amongst our closest friends no matter how "connected" we feel in society through our hand-held gadgets. This is the most personal episode out of the entire series that will speak to many people as we peek into the emotions and hearts into real girls who share with us their most intimate feelings about loss.

Previous Episode // Ep. 5: It's a Love & Hate Relationship

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What is the Girl Talk Series?

In the third episode of the Girl Talk Series, Motherhood is Serious Business, Becky & Rea talk about their contrasting views of motherhood, careers, and life when they discover that their friend Sophie is pregnant. Entering our mid-twenties, the ever so pressing topic of marriage and motherhood all while juggling a career always seems to be on our minds. Although we might want to do it all: have a successful career as well as build a family, sometimes it's just difficult to manage especially given our individual circumstances in life. We explore the vast spectrum of different women who feel innately tied to motherhood to those who feel that maybe the idea of maternal instinct is a social construct that they simply don't possess. Whatever their take on it is, it is important to show the various viewpoint so we can shatter the societal expectations of women and support each other's decision no matter what. 

Previous Episode // Ep. 4: But That's Life, Right?

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What is the Girl Talk Series?

In this second episode, Let's Have a Body Party, Alisha & Camille discuss body issues after watching Lily Myer's slam poetry of "Shrinking Women." In the video, Myer proclaims that women have been taught to grow in while men have been taught to go out. In a culture where women constantly have to filter their thoughts and habits, it's important to focus and point out how talking about our bodies affect our self-esteem and our health. Especially when you mix culture and parents into it. This is a topic that needs to be discussed time and time again and most people just think that Asians are "naturally" petite which is on the contrary. Alisha & Camille touch on this subject of body issues within our culture to shed more light on the pressures to be thin, food habits, and the misconceptions of Asian body norms. 

Previous Episode // Ep. 3: Motherhood is Serious Business

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What is the Girl Talk Series?

In this first episode, It's About that Hustle, Baby, Anh & Ellen talk about the tribulations of being an artist and all the emotional turmoil that come with the role. This is a conversation piece that we've all talked about over and over again, so much to the point of dizzying proportions. We've reached our mid-twenties and now what? With a mountain of college debt, the struggle to achieve our dreams gets increasingly harder and lost in the mound of bills, jobs, and projects. The surplus of anxiety and doubt that come with being an artist is the most unexpected and difficult struggle we've all experienced. Anh & Ellen dive deep within and reflect on their own artistic careers and identities while navigating through adulthood.

Ep. 2: Let's Have a Body Party

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Holy shiiiiiiiit! The Simpsons are always killin it when it comes to doing homages to revered auteurs from everyone from Hayao Miyazaki to Guillermo del toro! And now, here is Bartkira! Barkira is a parody mash-up of the lauded 90's manga and film, Akira and obviously The Simpsons! This is probably the coolest homage I have ever seen! Transforming the original Akira trailer, shot by shot, through The Simpsons lens is incredible to see! No way is this officially associated with Fox Animation but it's so great to see it be made and out there! Based on the idea by Ryan Humphrey, he has been making comics way before this trailer through the Bartkira project, a comic collaboration of Simpsons fans which is curated by James Harvey! So freaking tight! Check out their site to see more of the Bartkira project! www.bartkira.com

Now, the Japanese trailer!

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Motherfucker is the fourth short of the Takeaway Scenes series where it is made by Anonymous, a group of anonymous people who must follow strict guidelines (listed here), one of them being that they all need to be shot in one take. I love the concept and the ego-less of the whole project as literally no cast & crew gets credited in this series. Adapted from the play, The Motherfucker With The Hat by Stephen Adly Guirgis, Motherfucker follows a moment between lovers Veronica and Jackie after Jackie tells her that he got a job today. With most of these shorts, the story relies heavily on the actors as they have to carry the story on their shoulder but Veronica and Jackie succeeds effortlessly with their explosive energy and chemistry with one another. These Anonymous collaboration has the right idea about filmmaking that truly strips down the form to its bare bones that allows experimentation and story to be the main focus. I can't wait to see what they do next!

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