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This collection of short narratives addresses familial relationships in all their highs and lows. Whether it's siblings, parents, or grandparents, these films approach complex these complex and often strained relationships from all angles and perspectives.
This screening features 9 films. Toggle between film descriptions by scrolling and clicking on the buttons on the top right.
After knowing an oil company is offering handsome money for his family's farm, Henry comes home to convince his immigrant, aging parents to sell the home for good.
Director Biography - Shih-Chun Hsiao
Shih-Chun is a rising director-editor from Taiwan with a unique background. After obtaining a degree in Earth Science from National Central University, he spent five years in the oil industry as a wireline engineer, leading field teams across the globe to survey oil fields. But in 2018, Shih-Chun's life took a dramatic turn when a stranger reached out to him, praising his short films for helping him overcome anxiety. Shih-Chun knew that he had found his true calling. He left his leadership position and devoted himself to filmmaking.
Shih-Chun started working in various roles in documentary and TV production in Taiwan before leaving for the United States to pursue his passion at USC film school, where he is currently an MFA candidate. While at USC, he has directed and edited several award-winning projects, including the short film "Philosopher's Tofu" which won the Best Short Film award at the 2021 New York 21 Island Film Festival, and "SOUP" which was selected for the USC Asian Pacific Film Festival in 2022. He also edited the DGA Student Film Award Grand Prize winning film "Blackifier" the same year.
Shih-Chun's working experience has made him an expert at capturing the cultural differences and complexities of the working class. His upcoming thesis project, "A Better Place" follows an Asian immigrant's journey to convince his father to move for better living conditions. He is also developing a TV series, "Oil Queen" based on the life of the historical figure Emma Summers, exploring the personal and professional conflicts of a woman in a male-dominated industry.
Director Statement
"We all seek 'A Better Place,' but what if we perceive the 'better' differently?
'A Better Place' is a short film inspired by my life experiences as an oil industry engineer and immigrant. As a Taiwanese individual in the U.S., I've observed significant generational differences within the immigrant community, particularly in the concepts of home and belonging.
For Taiwanese immigrant families in the U.S., generational disparities arise from distinct cultural and value systems: collectivism versus individualism. In 'A Better Place,' all the characters aspire to provide the best for their family. However, the conflict lies in differing definitions of 'good.' The son believes that advancing and moving to the city is beneficial for the aging parents, while the parents cherish their rural, farming lifestyle. When faced with a life-changing offer of cash in exchange for leaving the homeland they've built over a lifetime, deciding what's best becomes a formidable task.
As my USC film school graduate thesis, 'A Better Place' captures my best understanding of storytelling at the time. It incorporates my life experiences as an oil industry worker, an international student, and a Taiwanese son striving to earn his father's elusive approval. I hope you enjoy it!"
This collection of short narratives addresses familial relationships in all their highs and lows. Whether it's siblings, parents, or grandparents, these films approach complex these complex and often strained relationships from all angles and perspectives.
This screening features 9 films. Toggle between film descriptions by scrolling and clicking on the buttons on the top right.
After knowing an oil company is offering handsome money for his family's farm, Henry comes home to convince his immigrant, aging parents to sell the home for good.
Director Biography - Shih-Chun Hsiao
Shih-Chun is a rising director-editor from Taiwan with a unique background. After obtaining a degree in Earth Science from National Central University, he spent five years in the oil industry as a wireline engineer, leading field teams across the globe to survey oil fields. But in 2018, Shih-Chun's life took a dramatic turn when a stranger reached out to him, praising his short films for helping him overcome anxiety. Shih-Chun knew that he had found his true calling. He left his leadership position and devoted himself to filmmaking.
Shih-Chun started working in various roles in documentary and TV production in Taiwan before leaving for the United States to pursue his passion at USC film school, where he is currently an MFA candidate. While at USC, he has directed and edited several award-winning projects, including the short film "Philosopher's Tofu" which won the Best Short Film award at the 2021 New York 21 Island Film Festival, and "SOUP" which was selected for the USC Asian Pacific Film Festival in 2022. He also edited the DGA Student Film Award Grand Prize winning film "Blackifier" the same year.
Shih-Chun's working experience has made him an expert at capturing the cultural differences and complexities of the working class. His upcoming thesis project, "A Better Place" follows an Asian immigrant's journey to convince his father to move for better living conditions. He is also developing a TV series, "Oil Queen" based on the life of the historical figure Emma Summers, exploring the personal and professional conflicts of a woman in a male-dominated industry.
Director Statement
"We all seek 'A Better Place,' but what if we perceive the 'better' differently?
'A Better Place' is a short film inspired by my life experiences as an oil industry engineer and immigrant. As a Taiwanese individual in the U.S., I've observed significant generational differences within the immigrant community, particularly in the concepts of home and belonging.
For Taiwanese immigrant families in the U.S., generational disparities arise from distinct cultural and value systems: collectivism versus individualism. In 'A Better Place,' all the characters aspire to provide the best for their family. However, the conflict lies in differing definitions of 'good.' The son believes that advancing and moving to the city is beneficial for the aging parents, while the parents cherish their rural, farming lifestyle. When faced with a life-changing offer of cash in exchange for leaving the homeland they've built over a lifetime, deciding what's best becomes a formidable task.
As my USC film school graduate thesis, 'A Better Place' captures my best understanding of storytelling at the time. It incorporates my life experiences as an oil industry worker, an international student, and a Taiwanese son striving to earn his father's elusive approval. I hope you enjoy it!"
