Straitlaced optometrist Weichung is finding the typical married life difficult, as his wife, Feng, unfulfilled by her white‐walled office job and spurred on by her mother, pushes him for a second child. Then he bumps into an old friend from his gay past, setting off an unexpected array of dormant emotions. Meanwhile, his sister Mandy flees her sad sack fiancé San‐San, coping via comfort food and the fantastical appearance of a soap opera star on her couch. Arvin Chen’s sophomore feature is a fresh and playful comedy about the brave fronts put forward in the search for a satisfying family life and job. Whimsy is never far from this story, both through the appropriately sappy soundtrack and several dream‐like touches: not just a soap opera star, but one character whose retirement is symbolized by his magical floating away on an umbrella and a breakout karaoke sequence reinforced by the title Shirelles song. Outstanding performances by Richie Ren and singer Mavis Fan as the central married couple help Chen find a true emotional core, especially in the heartrending moment when Feng realizes the truth about her husband’s dalliances, inspiring a charming look at what happens in a traditional society when you seek a big change.

Event Info↗

When the Rev. Christopher Fike was ordained in the Episcopal Church in 1999, he was a straight, married mother of two adorable children. By 2004 he had completed his transition and now identifies as a man. Chris’s decision to change genders ignited tensions in both his family and in a Church still reeling in the aftermath of its consecration of Bishop V. Gene Robinson, the world’s first openly gay bishop. Too Cold Out There Without You is a post‐transition story that looks beyond the act of transitioning and instead focuses on the transformation that takes place in Chris’s relationships with those closest to him. Chris’s family were confused about what would happen to Sarah, the person they had loved for forty years. Chris’s career in the Church was severely derailed by his transition. Forced to take a leave of absence, Chris found himself angry, unemployed and alienated from an institution he loved. And everybody worried about the impact his transition would have on his kids. Chris’s journey looks at what it takes for people to stay connected and shows how our lives can be better together despite unexpected turns life sometimes takes.

Event Info↗

A Gen Y love story presented as a fetish sex drama, submerge explores the need of Gen Y for constant stimulation and instant gratification underpinned by a sense of entitlement. It pushes young adults to believe they can have it all, despite a plethora of competing demands from social media, family, and peers.

Event Info↗