SHRIMP FRIED RICE
Imagine MasterChef meets the Muppets, and you might be able to grasp the supreme silliness of Fantasia 2025 short, SHRIMP FRIED RICE. Filmmaker Dylan Pun gives audiences an adult Ratatouille, which ironically, Shrimp name-drops and threatens. It is part profile of this unexpected chef and part exposé.
A father wishes to compliment the chef for his signature dish, only to discover that an actual shrimp is responsible for the deliciousness. In this mockumentary-style short, The Shrimp insinuates that his entire schtick was stolen by the Disney rat. The two then compete on a food competition reality show. The producers secretly chat with the man under The Shrimp, Chef Dave. Shrimp is a foul-mouthed asshole, for lack of a better word. Shenanigans ensue, confessions reveal themselves, and insults fly.
Cinematographer Marco De Acetis mixes genuine, slow-motion, food porn photography in with the absurdity. The original credits song from Seamstress, featuring Smallz, is perfection.
There are multiple Shrimp puppet creations. The smaller version sits on Yung’s head, and a larger-scale handheld puppet fills the screen for the sit-down interviews. The detail is award-worthy. Puppeteers Benjamin Fieschi-Rose, Kirsten Brass, and Amelia Blaine are spectacular.
Co-writer Michael Turk makes a fun appearance. Jeff Yung, who plays The Shrimp’s human puppet, Dave, is equal parts hilarious and authentic. Marty Stelnick gives The Shrimp a sass that is magic. I would giddily watch an entire series of SHRIMP FRIED RICE. Fantasia audiences are lucky to get a taste of what I hope is merely an amuse-bouche. It is, pun very intended, chef’s kiss.
Shrimp Fried Rice Trailer:
In this zany mockumentary, a talented shrimp chef with an ego that outweighs his tiny body carries out his vendetta against a certain culinary-inclined rat which puts The Shrimp’s human puppet at risk of deportation.
Starring: Jeff Yung, Marty Stelnick, and Jenna Phoa
Director: Dylan Pun
Executive Producers: Malachi Ellis, Dave Lembke, and Danielle Kappy
Producer: Sang-thanh Nguyen
Writers: Dylan Pun and Michael Turk
Director of Photography: Marco De Acetis
Production Designer: Mica White
Wardrobe Stylist: Emma Nadurata
Editor: Dylan Pun
Original Music: Jeff Lurie
Shot on location in Toronto, Canada Format: Digital on Arri Alexa Mini and Digital on DJI Ronin 4D.
The filmmakers would like to recognize the Canada Council for the Arts and the Ontario Arts Council for their support in the creation of this film.
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