"The Unbearable Weight 大石" A Film by Emily Chiang

Dear family, friends, and supporters,

I hope this message finds you well. For everyone who doesn't know me, I’m Emily Chiang, a senior film major studying at Syracuse University. This fall, I embarked on the creative journey of my senior thesis project, "The Unbearable Weight 大石" and plan to make it come true in January 2024.

“The Unbearable Weight 大石” is a story adapted from a semi-true story. The main character, Austin Wu grew up in a family steeped in despair. His elder brother suffered an intellectual regression from a car accident several years ago, triggering a profound transformation in their mother's personality. Unconsciously, she released the mounting pressure onto Austin. Simultaneously, the various pressures from work and life nearly pushed him to the brink of collapse. Austin is akin to Sisyphus from Greek mythology, laboring to push the huge stone in pain.

The story follows Austin as a work opportunity leads him to visit Hui Li, who had been stationed at the house where his parents were murdered for more than 20 years in Chinatown NYC. In the beginning, Austin went to interview Hui Li with the mentality that he just wanted to write a good article and perform well in his job. However, Austin discovers a different understanding amidst the seemingly absurd and mad behavior of Hui. This experience prompts him to re-examine his relationship with himself and his family. In the end, upon returning to the home that caused him pain and a sense of helplessness, looking at this huge stone in his deep heart again, Austin has a new answer......

As my thesis & last project at Syracuse University, "The Unbearable Weight 大石" carries the knowledge, aesthetics, and growth I have gained over the years of studying film, holding immense personal significance for me. However, filmmaking has never been a simple task and involves various costs of different magnitudes, such as hiring actors, renting locations, production design, post-production, and more. My goal is to raise $5000 for "The Unbearable Weight 大石," and these funds will be evenly distributed across various expenses. Here, I sincerely request your support. Regardless of the contribution amount, your generosity can effectively enhance the production quality of this film and provide me with the greatest support in my creative endeavors, enabling me to successfully bring this story to life!

Ways You Can Make This Project Glow:

DONATE: Your financial support will directly contribute to various costs of production, such as hiring actors, renting locations, production design, and post-production. Every contributor's name will be thanked by name in the end credits of the film as special thanks.

SHARE WITH PEOPLE: Share this GoFundMe campaign with your family, friends, and social circles who appreciate this story and are interested in supporting student filmmaking.

Either way, your support will bring great significance to “The Unbearable Weight 大石.” And I'm here, seriously appreciate your time to check out this campaign. ✨

With warmest regards and full of love,

Emily Chiang <3