Joe Zheng’s Cinematic Brilliance Shines with Triple Selection at 27th LA Shorts International Film Festival

LA Post, Los Angeles (July 31, 2023) – The 27th Annual LA Shorts International Film Festival, a pinnacle of excellence in the global film industry, concluded on the evening of July 30th at the iconic Regal Cinema in downtown Los Angeles.

This year marked a watershed moment for the festival, as it received an unprecedented surge of creative energy with over 6,000 short film submissions from across the globe. A meticulous curation process led to the selection of approximately 500 films for the festival’s prestigious program, comprising 160 films for online screenings and a record-breaking 362 for in-person screenings at the Regal Cinema LA Live.

Within this constellation of masterful cinematic endeavors, three luminous gems emerged from the creative prowess of Chinese American film producer and director, Joe J. Zheng, along with his adept film production team. These three cinematic opuses traversed the realms of science fiction, the intricate psychology of women, and the realistic depiction of the Asian community’s experience. Their presence garnered significant attention during the exhibition, resonating profoundly with peers and audiences alike.

Among these, the science fiction short film titled “FEMAI” shimmered as a beacon of innovation. Scheduled for screening on the afternoon of July 23rd, “FEMAI” was produced by Joe J. Zheng and directed by the visionary young Chinese American talent, Mingyun Zheng. The film’s narrative unfolds within a realm of imagination, interwoven with deep care for Asian female condition, especially in the workplace. Set in a near-future where AI robots supplant female workers in the workplace, “FEMAI” elegantly explores the persistent gender conundrums that women continue to face. Through a tapestry of future technology and contemporary struggles, the film deftly examines the nuances of Asian women’s struggles in the professional sphere. Director Mingyun Zheng’s ingenious fusion of science fiction with real-world issues paints a mesmerizing tableau of potential futures, underscored by the challenges they bring.

In a similar vein of profound introspection, “Not Today” captivated audiences with its poignant narrative. Crafted under the guidance of Joe J. Zheng and direction of Mingjun Zheng and penned by American writer Leyana Montano, the film, slated for the afternoon of July 27th, delves into the heartrending story of a mother grappling with the loss of her newborn during childbirth. Against the backdrop of a single indoor setting and a cast of two actors, the film’s compelling plot and exceptional performances reverberated deeply, forging an emotional connection with its viewers. Venturing into the labyrinthine realm of postpartum depression and anguish, “Not Today” invites audiences into the protagonist’s inner sanctum of struggle and eventual growth. Through its astute exploration of emotional and familial themes, the film transforms into a poignant feminist elegy that tugs at the heartstrings.

The pinnacle of the festival’s agenda unfolded on Friday, July 28th at 8 p.m., when short film “July 4th 2020” had its resounding World Premiere. Produced in collaboration with Jeremy Kagan, the esteemed former director of USC Film School’s Director Department, this 29-minute realistic short film hones in on the intricate dynamics of a Chinese family amidst the peak of the 2020 epidemic in Los Angeles. The film’s narrative mosaic weaves three distinct storylines—a Chinese immigrant father and son, a white restaurant owner on the brink of closure, and a black youth confronting unexpected unemployment. This intricate narrative paints a panoramic vista of the crises and conflicts endured by everyday Americans amidst the pressures of the epidemic and social upheaval. The film stands as a testament to the collaboration between exceptional alumni from the University of Southern California, the American Film Institute, and Chapman University. Remarkably, three of the nine core creative team members boast gold and silver accolades from the prestigious Student Academy Awards. Unified by their extraordinary talents, these young filmmakers strike a harmonious balance between raw and realistic storytelling and stylized visual expression, and create an unforgettable cinematic experience.

The Cinema 9 of Regal Theater brimmed with anticipation as its 250 seats were fully occupied. Three years in the making, this cinematic gem profoundly touched the hearts of those in attendance. It ushered the audience through the multifaceted challenges and reverberations engendered by the pandemic, channeling the perspective of Asian American community. The film stoked a collective reflection on how to embrace differences, heal wounds, and foster harmonious coexistence among diverse cultures and ethnicities. The screening crystallized as the festival’s centerpiece, embodying the zenith of audience engagement and feedback.

In a post-screening interview, Director Joe J. Zheng, an alumnus of Beijing Film Academy and the School of Cinematic Arts of the University of Southern California, expressed his gratitude. “

We want to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the LA Shorts International Film Festival for orchestrating such an exquisite premiere and viewing experience for our films. The opportunity to share our narrative, enabling audiences to grasp the nuances of the Asian community’s journey, fills us with immense gratitude. We are particularly humbled by the warm reception from Los Angeles audiences. As representatives of Asian American filmmakers’ community, we stand proud to offer our unique perspective and voice to audiences globally. Through our cinematic lens, we strive to convey universal tenets of life, love, and empathy. We ardently hope that our film may catalyze empathy within societies grappling with the aftermath of the pandemic, guiding them toward a shared path of reconciliation.”

Bob Arentz, President of the LA Shorts International Film Festival, praised Director Joe J. Zheng and his formidable team for their extraordinary premieres. He extolled all three films, each representing a different facet of the director’s talent, courage, and determination in amplifying marginalized voices, and concluded by eagerly anticipating the forthcoming contributions of Director Joe J. Zheng’s team.