In Search of Us (Shorts Program)
We are all looking for someplace to belong. Sometimes we look for it in our family. Sometimes we look for it in ourselves. This series of endearing, heartwarming, and witty short films explore what it means to be in search of us.
Sihyeon's Summer Day (시현이의 여름 날)
Director: Yeajoon Cho | Runtime: 12 minutes
A docufiction following six-year-old Sihyeon after his move to southwest Idaho. Amidst the summer's malaise, he journeys across Idaho's foothills and rivers in search of his favorite ice cream.
Dear Lily
Directed by Wyatt Wu
Runtime: 15 minutes
When the filmmaker becomes a first time uncle he quickly realizes that he never wants to be a dad. He decides to write a letter to his baby niece, Lily, hoping to pass on valuable life lessons to her. As he writes his letter to Lily, the filmmaker increasingly struggles to find the answers to his own questions on his own identity and morality. Dear Lily is a film that is as much of a letter of love as it is the filmmaker’s journey to discover what life events led him to become the person he is today.
Something Good Going on
Directed by Arnold Setiadi
Runtime: 14 minutes
Awarded Finalist for the Gold House and Seed&Spark AAPI Renaissance Rally.
In his last days home, Christian (Arnold Setiadi) a first-generation Indonesian teen, confronts a strained relationship with his immigrant waiter father (Kaidy Kuna, Oscar-Qualifying "Daly City"), a stolen restaurant paycheck, and the cost of his Ivy League future. A funny, bittersweet portrait of messy love, sacrifice, and the unexpected joy we find in the struggle.
This story uplifts imperfect, working-class immigrants who defy the model minority myth. It honors messy families, invisible struggles, and the unseen village behind “success” — with humor, heart, and a distinctly Indonesian American voice.
Long’s Long Lost & Mini Mart
Directed by Julian Doan
Runtime: 18 minutes
In the seedy back rooms of a Little Saigon convenience store, a young customer reanimates his dead father for one last conversation... awakening phantoms of unspoken grief.
I Wish I Were Pretty
Director: Hanah Chang | Runtime: 20 minutes
An insecure Korean-American woman struggles with old resentments against her beautiful best friend, exposing the impossible beauty standards that caused them.
Somewhere To Be
Director: Christy Chan | Runtime: 9 minutes
In this dark comedy short, an eight-year-old girl has to grow up quickly during a tense car ride. Set in 1985.
Chowmein Holiday
Director: Iris Lanhua Ma | Runtime: 21 minutes
Two Asian-American grandmas blaze through California on a wild crime spree—one discovers a new purpose, while the other hides a secret that could shatter everything.
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Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute
Sat, May 30 · 10:45 AM – 12:45 PM
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Available to viewers in the United States
June 1–7, 2026