MISSION STATEMENT: This film tells a universal story that explores familial responsibilities and the burden it carries across generational divides. Inspired by my Korean immigrant mother, this narrative journeys through themes of sacrifice, expectations, and cultural identities.

THE STORY

Daughter Like You delves into an intimate yet complicated relationship between a single, immigrant mother and her daughter. While the story follows a mother’s wave of sacrifices, it also touches on a child’s guilt to excel because of those very sacrifices.

Logline: When a mother’s uncompromising expectations for her daughter are met with defiance, she’s left questioning her resolution.

WHY THIS FILM MATTERS

Sharing immigrant experiences not only acknowledges the difficulties and loneliness they face settling in an unfamiliar country, but it also highlights their resilience and strength. I believe that impactful storytelling is a powerful tool to pave the way for empathy and compassion, especially for marginalized communities. And finding common ground through shared values can help bridge the gap between different lived experiences, cultures, and generations. While celebrating immigrant voices cultivates a more inclusive society, it also offers validation that they matter.

This sentimental story is meant to bring healing and understanding amongst those who carry the weight of a complicated familial past.

INSPIRATION

For as long as I can remember, my relationship with my mother has traversed through every emotion of the rainbow. She was determined to give me the best education, the best tutors, and enrolled me in the best programs to set me up for success, but with it, came an immense amount of pressure, which had me tirelessly striving for perfection. Although well-intentioned, the never-ending high expectations throughout my adolescent years left a strain on our relationship, and quite honestly, a lot of bitterness.

But as we both grew older, we understood where each other was coming from, and that’s when the healing began. My mother accepted my dreams as a creative, a pathway many Asian tiger moms frown upon, and I realized why she wanted me to live an easier life with financial stability.

When I told her I was thinking about making a short film inspired by our relationship, instead of being faced with criticism, her response was, “You have to do it. You have to live the life you want.” So, here we are.

KEEPING IT LOCAL

It’s really important for me to hire a crew entirely based in the tri-state area: DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Not only do I want to highlight the immensely talented pool of artists in this area, but I hope to build a stronger community by creating lasting relationships between different professions in the industry.

WHY YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS

Your support and generosity are vital in bringing this film to life.

Growing up, I rarely saw stories that represented my unique experience as an Asian-American, and elevating AAPI voices encourages us to fight against invisibility.

Your contributions will not only help to hire the best team of:

But your donations will also go towards:

Totally understand times are tough...

If you'd like to show some love, but can't contribute financially, there are a number of ways you can help:

Your support helps bring important AAPI stories like mine to life, and I cannot thank you enough for yours.

With every ounce of gratitude,

<3 Mimi Gee