SLICK TALK

(Live-action)

A young Chinese-American rapper from New York struggles with her identity and career path in the thought-provoking short SLICK TALK. Balancing culture, passion, and parental pressure, Kiki responds to a manager who messages her online after watching her music video.

Jess Hu plays Kiki with an intriguing mix of talent, sass, and self-doubt. You can see the flicker of self-doubt and perhaps questioning her cultural appropriation. This idea comes back around in her meeting with Gabe. He asks if she would be willing to learn Mandarin, seemingly suggesting it would make her more accessible. It is nothing short of a conversation starter.

Director David Karp‘s editing and Co-director Courtney Loo‘s script keep you guessing and reel you into her story. When the film ends, you feel compelled to see what happens next. Will she say Yes to potential manager Gabe? Does she stand up for herself? SLICK TALK is a clever double-entendre title. Loo and Karp have a solid treatment for either a feature or series to come.

SPROUT
(Animated)

Animated short film SPROUT sees an agoraphobic scientist accidentally create a baby-like plant. As the creature rapidly grows, so does its curiosity to explore the outside, upending life in more ways than one. Written, directed, and animated by Zora Kovac, this sweet and child-friendly film tackles anxiety, bravery, human connection, and of course, growth. Watch it with the entire family.