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Discover who we are and where we are headed often begins with understanding where we came from. These films explore journeys of self-discovery through the connections and experiences of family and community.
On the night of his 21st birthday, a Korean-American son burdened by years of silent sacrifice spirals through Koreatown haunted by the fear of becoming the father who left, and desperate to know if letting go is the only way to finally keep his promise to stay.
Director Biography - Nicolas Chae
Nicolas Chae is a Korean-American writer-director based in Los Angeles. He is currently pursuing his MFA in Film & Television Production at the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts. His work explores themes of cultural identity, generational conflict, and the Korean-American experience through a visually-driven, emotionally grounded lens.
Drawing from personal history and lived experience, Chae’s filmmaking is rooted in nuanced character studies that reimagine immigrant narratives through a contemporary lens. His artistic vision is shaped by his upbringing in a first-generation Korean household, and he is committed to telling stories that expand representation and speak to the emotional complexity of diasporic life.
- Year2025
- Runtime0:15:30
- LanguageEnglish, Korean
- CountryUnited States
- GenreNarrative Drama, Coming-of-Age
- DirectorNicolas Chae
- ScreenwriterNicolas Chae
- ProducerEmma Davis Williams
- CastPaul Syre, Sook Hyung Yang, Luke Kim
- CinematographerDirector of Photography: Jin Wang
- EditorEmma Davis Williams, Nicolas Chae
- Production DesignJay Lee
Discover who we are and where we are headed often begins with understanding where we came from. These films explore journeys of self-discovery through the connections and experiences of family and community.
On the night of his 21st birthday, a Korean-American son burdened by years of silent sacrifice spirals through Koreatown haunted by the fear of becoming the father who left, and desperate to know if letting go is the only way to finally keep his promise to stay.
Director Biography - Nicolas Chae
Nicolas Chae is a Korean-American writer-director based in Los Angeles. He is currently pursuing his MFA in Film & Television Production at the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts. His work explores themes of cultural identity, generational conflict, and the Korean-American experience through a visually-driven, emotionally grounded lens.
Drawing from personal history and lived experience, Chae’s filmmaking is rooted in nuanced character studies that reimagine immigrant narratives through a contemporary lens. His artistic vision is shaped by his upbringing in a first-generation Korean household, and he is committed to telling stories that expand representation and speak to the emotional complexity of diasporic life.
- Year2025
- Runtime0:15:30
- LanguageEnglish, Korean
- CountryUnited States
- GenreNarrative Drama, Coming-of-Age
- DirectorNicolas Chae
- ScreenwriterNicolas Chae
- ProducerEmma Davis Williams
- CastPaul Syre, Sook Hyung Yang, Luke Kim
- CinematographerDirector of Photography: Jin Wang
- EditorEmma Davis Williams, Nicolas Chae
- Production DesignJay Lee