NYAFF XXIV Review: Shorts Program #1: The Kids We Were
The 24th edition of the New York Asian Film Festival is currently underway, and with a line-up that includes several shorts programs. The following is a brisk lookback at the festivals first shorts program featuring a quintet of amazing shorts from various directors. The festival runs through July 27!
Better Life (2025)
Director: Jessica Liu
Starring: Randall Park, Richard Ouyang, Terry Hu
A medical procedure promises to help turn underachieving Asians into successful adults and an elderly shop owner tries to convince his daughter to try. A subtle prod at the idiosyncrasies of the American Dream co-existing with the traditionalism of many Asian-American families and the very real effects of tiger parenting and the results.
Searching for Sol (2025)
Director: Jaime Morados
Starring: Francis Magundayao, Felicity Napuli, Soliman Cruz
After their father goes missing with their recently deceased mother’s ashes, a brother and sister begin tracking him down using a guide from their parent’s past restaurants. A nice family drama with a satisfyingly tender finale.
The Black Dog (2024)
Director: Yang Ling
Starring: Leon Dai, Vicci Pan, Hsien-ya Tsou
While coming to terms with caring for their terminally ill mother and wife, a daughter and husband begin seeing the image of a black dog that starts to lead them to acceptance. A quietly moving film with a disarmingly obtuse journey, The Black Dog pays off in a sadly touching way.
Ikigai (2024)
Director: Ramazan Nanayv
Starring: Eiji Nakagawa, Anna Takayo
When his coworker and friend is sexually assaulted, a private sushi chef contemplates revenge when his next job brings him face to face to the attacker. A short character study about righteousness and self restraint, this realistic short offers a lot of expectation with subterfuge in regards to friendship and justice. A quietly meditative drama.
Hippopotami (2025)
Director: Lin Jianjie
Starring: Zhang Ziyong, Xu Ge, Wang Zixi, Wang Zhenhua
With her parents in the middle of a business transaction with a mysterious man, a young and frank little girl tries to make sense out of the odd way these adults interact with each other and what it means to understand the realities of the world. A pitch black comedy with a standout performance by the young actress, this is a complex and at time confusing short that will reward the audiences when that light bulb finally goes off.
