Golden Delicious (2022)

When a hot, openly gay new neighbour moves in across the street, high school senior Jake is forced to think about what - and who - he really wants.

When basketball-obsessed Aleks moves in across the street, Asian-Canadian teen Jake finds himself trying out for the basketball team to get his attention in this classic coming-of-age drama set in the digital age.

Director Biography - JASON KARMAN

Jason Karman (He/Him) is a graduate of the University of British Columbia with a Master of Fine Arts in Film Production and Creative Writing; his films have travelled internationally and won awards. His short film, Lions in Waiting, was selected by Telefilm Canada's Not Short on Talent at Clermont Ferrand in 2018. Jason's debut feature, Golden Delicious, is supported by Telefilm Canada Talent to Watch program, which has launched Canada's brightest talents. Jason is working on a second feature film with Norman Y. Li, a 2021 Pacific Screenwriting Program graduate. IMDB.

Director Statement

Working with the youth, I have seen how social media puts enormous pressure on young minds. Many students look like me, and we are exposed to a confusing world that often defends toxic behaviour and celebrates questionable role models. Additionally, one has cultural elements like "saving face" that one must deal with. "Saving face" is a strategy to avoid humiliation or embarrassment as a method of survival and a core social value in Asian culture; sexuality is often hidden to “save face.” This film continues my exploration of how social media perspectives can connect us but also amplify emotions and alienate us. Many youths face a modern challenge to find themselves amidst a sea of likes, endless chats, YouTube-like videos, and Instagram-like stories. Golden Delicious shows that kids of immigrant families can manage this and, in the end, become stronger.