New York Arts and Entertainment Film Festival 2022

Breakfast at the Bodega

A talented young Brooklynite/Palestinian-American attempts to live out his dreams of becoming a French pastry chef despite his first-generation father's wishes. Struggling to fill his first big order for a gig, tensions arise when the father forbids him from using their family bodega to cook.

Precious Cargo: Return to Vietnam

Born in South Vietnam, they were transported into American homes almost overnight in cities and suburbs nationwide. They soon became the beloved sons and daughters of close-knit American families. They wanted to belong but knew they were somehow different. Strangers stopped them and asked of their origins. In many cases they were unable to answer. And it hurt.

A STORY OF CONNECTING AND A SEARCH FOR ANSWERS

In a 28-minute documentary, this story explores the complex history of the 1975 Operation Babylift. It was the last chapter of a war that tore this country apart. Yet it is not quite over for the children who were given love and education, but most importantly, a new beginning.

For the military, it seemed like a final act of redemption. To the government in Hanoi, it was a propaganda ploy or a criminal act, tantamount to kidnapping. Other critics saw it as a last effort of the U.S. government to win sympathy and financial support for South Vietnam. But for most Americans, it was a final gesture in a war they wanted to forget.

Those least able to forget are the adoptees, now in their mid to late 40s. Reunions and a trip to Vietnam help them understand their history after years of speculation. In a story about connecting, we follow six of them on that journey.

Unraveling

After being publicly accused of sexual assault, Rory Carpenter, an acclaimed actor and director struggles to make his comeback film while asking Leyla, his kid sister, for money.

Removable

An immigrant struggles with guilt after calling the police on her abusive husband, which results in his deportation.

Drive

A New York taxi driver and an uptight passenger share a bumpy ride.

Introduction to Unraveling

"Unraveling" intro video by writer, director, producer, and cinematographer Kevin Quinn.

Introduction to Precious Cargo: Return to Vietnam

"Precious Cargo: Return to Vietnam" intro video by producer/director Janet Gardner

Indelible

The spirits of a cranky 97-year-old man are lifted when he plays the piano for memory care patients. His music eases their angst and elicits indelible memories, momentarily freeing them from the trap of dementia.

grydscaen: scout eve (Episode 3)

When the world's democracies teetered too close to the sun unleashing nuclear war plunging the world into veiled autocracy radioactive fallout killing millions, those that survived developed psychic powers. Afraid those powers would threaten control, the Elite Government passed oppressive Article 15 Thought Crime laws unopposed for fear of retaliation to maintain the social order. But it was one voice, outspoken opposition leader of the Packrat hackers, Faid Callen with nothing to lose who dared risk everything to change the world in a fight for equality and justice he'd need a miracle to win.

As Article 15 swept through the Echelons stripping non-citizens and marginalized psychics of their rights, The powerful Elite Triumvirate led by ZenZen sent Faid's former hacker mentor, Kaizen the Immaculate after him. Yet, Kaizen's former student learned his lessons well. The world is changing. The grydscaen is all around you. Faid formed the Packrats to fight for equality, truth, justice. Will you join the fight? This is who we are. Based on the award-winning indie cyberpunk YA grydscaen novels and manga by Natsuya Uesugi.

Introduction to Removable

"Removable" intro video by director Shu-Ying Chung

War Games

In World War II, a German soldier helps his superior, wounded by shrapnel, to get away from the battle of the Ardennes.

By taking refuge in an abandoned factory, they enjoy a brief break. The war catches up with them!

As they flee, they cross the corridor of time and find themselves in another kind of battle: a war game.

Giselle

Adapted from the classical ballet Giselle, this film follows a young peasant girl though a story of love and betrayal. After finding out the man she is in love with is really royalty, Giselle tragically dies. Now a ghost, Giselle is introduced to the Willis, a group of young women who died from a broken heart.