SMOKE AND MIRRORS

CONTACT: twufilm@gmail.com

DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT

Most of my projects deal with the plights of children or that of seniors. I’m fascinated with these particular ages - one group, trying to define who they are and the other group, knowing full-well who they are - with family and society sometimes marginalizing their voices. In both of these cases, they are just passing faces to most. However, it is during these two times in our lives where we have the most to say, even though we may not have an audience.

SMOKE AND MIRRORS was a personal journey. One that blurred the line between fiction and non-fiction. The story is about a young girl who is struggling with her identity and trying to define it with typical teenage means. However, it is life that helps her define it - by the tragic consequences of her choices. She grows up faster and farther in one day than she expected. I suppose that is how most people “grow up”. Sometimes it comes with the loss of a pet, the backstabbing best friend or moving away to college. But sometimes it comes through the discovery of secrets at a very young age. Those with similar childhood scars will understand what I mean by this. It is an unfortunate process, but one that will ultimately define the rest of our lives. I wanted to tell this story of the “smoke and mirrors” that covers up what could be called a personal tragedy in this young girl’s life - the defining moment she could choose to either sink or swim.

We also see the other characters who hide behind their lies. Mrs. Lee and her complex flirtation with the world outside, Mr. Lee with his personal disappointment of his American Dream, and Henry Wong, whose attraction to Sarah is misguided and genuine. There are parts of this film that was hard to write - I cringed at their desperation, but marveled at the humanness of their plights. I’m thankful Austen Rachlis was able to co-write this film - we had to tell this story with as much honesty both culturally and emotionally, and her talent shines. Thankfully, the actors Vanessa, Krystal, Grant and Carl were up to the challenge. They took in the characters open-heartily and embraced them with humor, grace and truth. But it is the last scene that still takes my breath away. This scene sums up what the film is about. There are no words, but much is said to being a child and an adult, stuck at the mercy of life. And for what it is worth - that is something we all understand.

This film brought out some memories for me. Some my own, some owned by others.
Both, difficult and freeing to experience. But now this story is told, there is a part of me that moves on...

DIRECTOR’S GUILD OF AMERICA

Best Student Film Award

Asian American - East Coast

2011 ALASKA INTERNATIONAL FILM AWARDS

Denali Award

2009 JAMES BRIDGES DEVELOPMENT AWARD

2011 FIRST GLANCE FEST PHILADELPHIA

Breakout Performance Award - Krystal Yam