A TASTE OF CHINA, 15min., USA, Drama
Directed by Adam Chhour
A Chinese American immigrant couple arrives in America in 1999 to start a new life. They open a Chinese take-out in Philadelphia where they encounter new challenges to their lives. Aspirations and hopes that once pushed them to open the restaurant are set aside when they have a son and work to provide a better life for him. The mother eventually passes away from cancer, leaving the father and son to operate the restaurant on their own. The cultural and generational gap prevent them from forming a typical father and son relationship, but this does not hide from the commonalities they share in life.

https://instagram.com/atasteofchina_film

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

It was my second year of college in 2019 when I was studying for finals one night and was craving Chinese food. I went to the closest Chinese takeout and upon entering, I was taken back to my own childhood. The kitchen was loud from the sounds of the wok inaudible shouts of a mom and dad sharing the space.. There was a kid doing homework at the front counter just like I used to. Immediately I wanted to tell the story of my childhood. But as I wrote the script, it transformed into a story about my parents and everything they sacrificed to make it in America. At around the same time, Covid-19 was happening and the lies being spread about how "Chinese food could give you covid" really stung me. My parents business took a hard hit and anit-asian sentiment rising around the world really made me thing long and hard about my identity and how the public views us. So this film was created out of the love and inspiration I have for my parents, but also the need to humanize us as Asian Americans and humans.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

After coming up with the idea in October 2019, I spent 2 years writing the film. We began production February 11th, 2022 and wrapped in a total of 3 days. Postproduction went from March 2022 to January 2023. (9/10 months)

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

Dreams & Sacrifice

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

The biggest struggle was finding an all Chinese-American cast that could speak mandarin and english, but also perform to my expectations I had for the characters.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

I was extremely happy listening to their reactions as it seems as if my intentions for the film came across to a wide variety of people even if they did not share the experiences that were laid out in the film.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

I've always been surrounded by films and stories, but I'd say it wasn't until high school where I learned that I had all these stories I wanted to tell and now had the ability to tell them.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

Star wars! I'm huge star wars fan. But most recently, I did go watch Everything Everywhere All At Once in theaters 9 times.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

Not really sure, possibly just meeting other filmmakers to help establish networking?

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?

The experience has been good so far, no complaints!

10. What is your favorite meal?

Pho w/ rare steak and brisket!

11. What is next for you? A new film?

I'm currently setting out for a month-long adventure through Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. I hope to immerse myself in these new countries and inspire new stories to tell.