Wei believes that his traditional Chinese mom would have a hard time accepting his boyfriend. However, she turns out more complex than Wei supposed.

Interview with Writer/Director Ann Sun

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

As a native Chinese girl growing up with Asian parents, I’ve always had a hard time communicating with my parents. They are very reserved with their feelings and emotions, and I am as well. I have always wondered if my parents are actually more accepting than I expected them to be. Such wonder inspired me to make this film.

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

It’s a sweet and touching story about family love. Although it is about Asian families and the LGBTQ+ community, everyone can relate.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

As a queer woman of color, I am constantly fighting for gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights through cinema. By making this film, I am able to not only represent myself but also my community.

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

The mom’s part definitely has grown bigger and more important over the course of development. In the beginning, it was a simple coming-out story plus the cultural clash. Later, I explored more about parental relationships and decided to land my focus on family. The film was developed through a film production class taught at University of Southern California, and I was able to receive tremendous help from my fellow film students and professors.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

People really love the ending! It’s always amazing to hear the audiences’ reaction when they see the mom’s secret revealed.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

Definitely. I was not sure if the reveal was too quick or rushed, but people loved it. I think people love to believe in positive things. I have been to screenings where people cried and told me how lovely that the mom and son understand and accept each other. Queer cinema should not only remind people of the hardship, but also celebrate hope.

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

Excited to share the story to a broader audience.

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

I hope this film could initiate communication between generations. I want to inspire shy kids like me to open up more with their parents, and trust them with their insecurities. I hope parents could also express love more directly, and be more supportive with their kids’ choices in life. The generation gap sounds daunting, but we have all gone through similar struggles in life, and we can understand and help each other.

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

What’s the secret you are keeping from your loved ones?

Would you like to add anything else?

If you like my film, follow up with me through my website www.annsunsunsunsun.com.

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

I am developing a documentary about female sexual pleasure, inspired by books like Come As You Are and website OMGYes.com. Meanwhile, I am touching up on my new short script about a teenage lesbian couple trying to have sex for the first time before the end of the world.

Interview: July 2018

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

Sweet and Sour

Wei believes that his traditional Chinese mom would have a hard time accepting his boyfriend. However, she turns out more complex than Wei supposed.

Length: 6min

Who is being interviewed for this article? Ann Sun

Director: Ann Sun

Producer: Luke Sargent

Writer: Ann Sun

About the writer, director and producer:

Born and raised in Beijing, China, ANN SUN came to Los Angeles to study film in 2015. Self identified as an Asian pan-sexual woman, her favorite film topics include cultural clash, LGBTQ+, and gender equality. As an avid rock climber and kayaker, Ann also aims to portray the beauty of nature and extreme sports through films.

Key cast: Jaime Barcelon, Hale Leon, Teresa Kuan

Looking for: festival directors, journalists, distributors

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ann.sun.908

Twitter: @annasunsunsun

Instagram: @annsunsunsunsun

Personal Website: www.annsunsunsunsun.com

Made in association with: University of Southern California.

Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? It will be screened at The Barcelona LGTIB Film Festival, between 18-28 October 2018