Eliza tries to explore her sexuality within her marriage with her husband Thomas by surprise ordering a female sex robot for them to share. But the sexbot is not the cure-all she had hoped for. Be careful what you wish for.

Interview with writer/director Anne Hu

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

Thanks so much! I'm so excited to be screening at the Woods Hole Film Festival. The idea for my short film "Cake" came from when I was in my early 20's. I was going through a similar situation as the protagonist and I wished I could have a sex robot. But no matter how I thought through the scenario, it never ended as ideally as imagined.

Cake - Daniella Rabbani (Eliza), and Anne Hu (Jade Oh)

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

You should watch "Cake" if you like to laugh and if you like sex. hahaha. Seriously though, if you like stories that push the boundaries, that talk about the complexity of sexuality and relationships, and also a story with heart, you'll enjoy "Cake." It's an over-the-top sex comedy that talks about real questions bisexual or questioning people face today. "Cake" possesses a strong female, Asian American, and bisexual voice that is bound to tease and please audiences.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

I write from a personal place. There's usually always some kind of personal connection to my work, but I also like to make films that have something to say. The idea for this film may have started from a personal experience, but it addresses themes of how technology will impact our relationships, what is infidelity, how do you make a relationship work when two people have different needs, and it explores questioning your sexuality.

Cake - Daniella Rabbani (Eliza), Anne Hu (Jade Oh) and Tom Lacey ( Thomas),

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?

The idea was originally meant to be a dark feature, but it came out as a short comedy. Also, the script originally had the 2 main characters sitting on the couch and talking the whole time. All the movement and visual gags were worked into the script after consulting with my cinematographer.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

Overall, we've received great feedback and we've even gained some amazing press in The Washington Post! I feel people either love it or hate it, which I'm glad. If I made something that didn't make you feel anything, I think I failed. We won't agree on everything that happen in stories, but clearly if you hate it, I'm at least talking about something important enough that has pushed your buttons.

Cake - Daniella Rabbani (Eliza), and in behind her, Anne Hu (Jade Oh)

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

It's never easy to receive negative feedback, but it has not changed my point of view. If anything, it has made me explore why I made the decisions I made. Through people's feedback, I've been able to discover a deeper understanding of my work.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

My goal with "Cake" is to get exposure and interest for my future work. I'm currently writing a horror vengeance feature film.

Cake - Daniella Rabbani (Eliza) and Tom Lacey (Thomas),

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

To amplify "Cake"'s message, I'd need distributors to get the film out there, and press to spread the word.

For my feature, I'd need producers and investors.

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

I hope "Cake" allows people to reflect upon the complexity of sexuality, human relationships, and how technology will affect us down the line. I also hope it allows people to discuss Asian fetishism and the portrayal of Asian American women in film.

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

The sex robots are coming. If you're coupled off with a partner and you order a sexbot, is that cheating?

What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?

I'm writing a horror vengeance feature film. It's about a family who's trying to see their childhood home 10 years after the mother died. Right as they're about to sell the house, the mother comes back to life. Everyone thinks this is a great second chance, but mother has her own plans.

Interview: July 2017

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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series and music video. 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

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Cake

Length: 9:22

Director: Anne Hu

Producer: Victoria Negri

Writer: Anne Hu

About the writer, director and producer:

Writer/Director Bio:

Anne Hu is an award winning director, writer, editor, and actress who is currently a Senior Producer/Editor at HBO.

Producer Bio:

Victoria Negri attended NYU's Tisch School of the Arts for Drama and is now a working writer/director/producer/actress.

Key cast:

Daniella Rabbani

Tom Lacey

Anne Hu

Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists):

producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists

Anne Hu Website: www.annehu.com

Website: www.cakethefilm.com

Trailer: www.cakethefilm.com/trailer

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefilmcake/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/cakethefilm

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cakethefilm/

Funders: Self Funded

Made in association with: Cineslinger LLC, Small Media Extra Large, Jose Del C. Martinez

Where can I see it in the next month?

HollyShorts Film Festival at the TCL Chinese 6 Theaters, Sunday August 13th, 2:30 PM