Smile

Synopsis

Smile is a 70’s period piece, slice-of-life drama about a Chinese family who use their free Sears coupon to take their annual family portrait.  These portraits are sent back to the relatives in China to chart the young daughters’ growth.  Their Mother does not allow them to smile, as she thinks it’s rude to show them how happy they are in the New World.  Smile is about a family’s inability to connect.  It’s a tonal piece that combines both funny and sad elements.  Ultimately, it’s a universal story about the ‘family romance’.

Writer/Director:  Julia Kwan
Producers:  Yves J. Ma, Julia Kwan
Co-producer:  Judi Babcock
Genre: Short Drama
Licensed by CityTV and CBC
Additional financing:  National Film Board, BC Arts Council.