Tea Story
Director: Celina Lung
United States, 2023, 10 min
Festival Year:2024
Genres:Comedy, Drama
Crew:Writer: Celina Lung. Producer: Celina Lung.
Email:lungcelina@gmail.com
Synopsis
In the city of New York, an immigrant dad, yearns for his American born daughter to accept Chinese heritage despite her reluctance. Their relationship is strained the night before her departure to a new job.
Trailer
About the director
Celina Lung is a native of Macau, SAR, China who studied art and design in Hong Kong, Paris, and the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York. Celina worked as a Costume Designer for Walt Disney Imagineering for 30 years creating iconic and culturally insightful designs for both cast and ride characters in each of Disney’s parks across the world. After studying with an experienced and respected animator, Lenord Robinson, Celina is debuting her first animated short film, 'Tea Story.'
Filmmaker's note
Tea Story is influenced by events in my life such as my working in an acupuncture clinic in Hong Kong even needling patients. It also reflects, to an extent, my relationship with my father. Initially, Eva (the daughter representing me) was the protagonist. The father was the antagonist who embarrassed and angered Eva. As the film developed I had a change of heart. I decided to tell the story from the dad’s point of view. By putting myself in his shoes, I became sympathetic towards my parents.
My journey in making this film has taught me to see things from others points of view. Parents love their children unconditionally regardless if their children reciprocate that love or not. I hope this film inspires today’s society to understand, love and respect their parents.
Notes
Age: 13+