Expired June 1, 2021 3:59 AM
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This program includes exceptional contemporary works in the genre of documentary. From a cannabis farm in Kentucky to a Vietnamese-American mother and martial artist and portraits of Syrian women, these makers describe real-life people through their own stylized lens. The form of Documentary is unique in that it gives filmmakers the ability to empathetically study diverse views on reality, and allows audiences to see the world through another’s perspective. No matter your interests, viewers will find struggle, emotion, and humor within the content of this program.


Total Run Time: 79 minutes


This program will be followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers.


Programmed by Guest Festival Shorts Programmer, Emily Eddy.


Content Considerations: Strong language, implied sexual situations, self-harm, implied violence.

This short documentary follows Mai Nguyen, a Vietnamese-American martial artist, as she trains for an upcoming Jiu Jitsu match. We witness how she mentally, as well as physically, prepares, balancing the demands of regular life—job, being a single mother—with training. As we gradually learn more about her past, we understand her commitment to martial arts as a way to recover from the trauma of her abusive childhood and ex-husband.

  • Year
    2021
  • Runtime
    17 minutes
  • Language
    English
  • Country
    United States
  • Director
    Asali Echols
  • Cast
    Mai Nguyen
  • Cinematographer
    Casey Beck
  • Editor
    Asali Echols
  • Composer
    Alex Lu
  • Sound Design
    Dan Olmsted