Newport Beach Film Festival / Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival 2019 – In A New York Minute
Three strangers accidentally discover the solution to their problems lies in a single pregnancy test.
Interview with Writer/Director Ximan Li
Watch In A New York Minute on Tubi, Vudu and Prime Video
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
In A New York Minute was inspired by a Chinese short story, published online. Since arriving in the US for graduate school back in 2013, I’ve met many of the characters from the short story. Some are immigrants like me while others are locals. All of them are trying to blend in some form or another. Few are actually living the life they really want. I identified with different aspects of each character as I was also going through a period of loneliness, loss of identity and homesickness. I wanted to tell a story that reflects me. In the end, we cannot break away from our emotional ties whether it be to ourselves or someone else.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
I’m a fan of Ang Lee and he once said that when audiences watch a movie, they don’t see the directing or cinematography or editing style. They are seeing themselves reflected on to the characters onscreen. If you can relate to the characters, then you can relate to the story. Despite featuring mostly Asian actors, I think their struggles and desires are universal. At the same time, it allows audiences to see aspects of our culture that they may be unfamiliar with. Each character from In A New York Minute has an independent story but is still loosely connected to another so that they affect each other, thus creating a bigger picture.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
As a first time female filmmaker of color, I have experienced issues both as an immigrant coming to the US for grad school and entering the male-dominated storytelling world of filmmaking. This film is a personal journey for me because it explores one's identity and true self. It's easy to lose one's way in a busy city like New York and each of the three main characters are lost in their own way, whether it be one's identity, being caught between two lives or being labeled a societal outcast.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
The first draft of the script was originally written in Chinese. As it transitioned to English, the structure of the film changed dramatically to what is in the final cut now as well as several key locations.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
At the time of writing this, our world premiere is in one week at the Newport Beach Film Festival so the film has yet to screen publicly. I've had a couple of private test screenings with friends, classmates from film school and industry professionals. Their objective feedback helped me in making further edits to the film where sometimes it is difficult to fully separate yourself from something that has been so personal to you.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
Even though it is a small sample size, I was surprised by what subtle differences American men picked up on as compared to Asian men. However, most women's opinions were more similar to one another regardless of race.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
Exposure. As an indie film, we really appreciate any form of audience that we are able to reach.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Distribution is the end goal as that allows the greatest exposure for the film.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
Two of the main things currently lacking in the film industry that I hope to promote with In A New York Minute are Asian and Asian American talent in front of the camera and female filmmakers behind the camera. I hope this film is one of many that shines a light on stories that we want to tell.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
"Would you choose love or freedom?"
Would you like to add anything else?
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @inanewyorkminutefilm
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
The producer, Wayne Lin, and I are going to switch roles. He's currently developing two scripts which I will help him bring to life. They are both horror films so the dramatic shift in tone from In A New York Minute will be fun and refreshing.
Interview: April 2019
We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
In A New York Minute
Three strangers accidentally discover the solution to their problems lies in a single pregnancy test.
Length: 1:42:00
Director: Ximan Li
Producer: Wayne Lin
Writer: Ximan Li
About the writer, director and producer:
XIMAN “Mandy” LI was born in Shenyang, China before moving to Beijing. Hailing from a film family background, Mandy, whose father is a producer, adopted a passion for filmmaking. She attended China's Central Academy of Drama with a focus on directing. Afterwards, she enrolled in Pasadena's ArtCenter College of Design, earning an MFA in film production. After graduating, Mandy directed her first feature, In A New York Minute.
Key cast: Celia Au (Nina Wong), Amy Chang (Amy Chen), Yi Liu (Angel Li), Ludi Lin (David Qiao), Cheng Pei Pei (Amy's Mother)
Looking for: distributors, sales agents, buyers
Facebook: In A New York Minute
Instagram: @inanewyorkminutefilm
Hashtags used: #inanewyorkminute #womeninfilm
Other: IMDb
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? Newport Beach Film Festival - Sunday, April 28, 2019; Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival - Tuesday, May 7, 2019