Every year, Apple releases a short film for Chinese New Year that is shot on their latest iPhone, and every year I look forward to the story that is created. This short for 2025 is called I Made a Mixtape for You. Apple’s description:
Meet Wei. While traveling home for Chinese New Year, he discovers his parents’ ‘90s mixtape. He’s transported to a ‘90s dream world where he falls in love with a complete stranger, rekindling his faith in love when he wakes up. The first Shot on iPhone CNY musical featuring classic hits from the ‘90s. In celebration of the Year of the Snake.
The video is directed by Michael Gracey, who directed The Greatest Showman.
In addition to it being released just before Chinese New Year, I thought the themes and execution of this short was very timely. Musicals are highlighted this past year, with movies like Wicked and Emilia Perez being some notable highlights. Also, the topic of not having significant others and not having children in Asia (and other places) has been a widely discussed recently (even at home with my now grown up kids).
As usual, a “making of” video has been released (you can see it below). Also, while this was shot on an iPhone, additional hardware and software were used and it was professionally edited.
