8$ is a series which occasionally highlights interesting crowdfunding projects. Every day, the 8Asians team is inundated by many worthy pitches. We are unable to highlight every one that comes our way, or even the ones we might individually support. The projects selected for 8$ are not endorsements by 8Asians. (To be considered for 8$, we highly suggest you not harass the writers or the editors of 8Asians.)
WHO: Leon Le, (Writer/Director/Editor) is a self taught filmmaker/photographer. After 13 years working as a professional dancer/actor/singer for theaters, national/international tours, Off-Broadway to Broadway; he has appeared in numerous TV series and features films in Vietnam, he finally decided to take a stab at filmmaking. His latest short film Dawn, which he wrote, directed, edited and produced garnered positive attention at more than 20 national/international film festivals. In 2012, it won Best LGBT Short, Best International Short, and Best Director awards. And in 2013, Dawn was nominated for Best Short Film, Excellent in Short Filmmaking, and the Iris Prize film award.
WHAT: Indiegogo project: Talk To Her
Talk to Her is a 12 minute film about love, acceptance, and missed opportunities. It tells the story of a young man trapped in a culture clash where traditions stunted his quest for personal happiness. The film explores the complicated relationships between Michael, a second generation Chinese American man; his mother, Mrs. Yue and; Julianne, his girlfriend of two year whom he plans to propose. After a twist of fate, Julianne accidentally discovers Michael’s secret love affair with a man. Will Michael be able to face the truth with his love ones, or most importantly himself before it’s too late?
WHEN: Deadline to contribute is Friday, November 29, 2013 (11:59pm PT).
WHY: Why is it important?
Writer/director Leon Le’s idea for Talk to Her was inspired by a true story he read a while ago about a young Chinese woman in China coming home one afternoon to discovers her newly wedded husband was having an affair with her own brother. While tradition can scaffold a strong cultural unit, it can also imprison those unable to see beyond its sooted beams. The story remains relevant today while the cultural milieu of the Asian man continues to instill the ultimate responsibility for the man to carry on his family name, pressuring many gay men into marriages ending with broken families and devastated hearts.
