Asian American director and actor Albert M. Chan launched pre-production for his upcoming dramatic film DESCENDANTS OF THE PAST, ANCESTORS OF THE FUTURE with a new website and fundraising campaign. Visitors to the website, located here, can read more about the film, watch behind-the-scenes videos, and make contributions to the project.

“The story is one that’s very close to my heart,” Chan reveals. “Based on the circumstances a half century ago which led my grandfather, Art Kem Lee, to immigrate to San Francisco while my mother, Betty Chan, immigrated to Toronto, the story is told in the present day from the point of view of an expectant father who desperately needs to find out how his mother and her own father could have lived apart for most of their lives. DESCENDANTS OF THE PAST, ANCESTORS OF THE FUTURE is a universal story about the sacrifices families make, and the powerful bond that ties all generations of a family together – living, deceased, and yet to come.”

The project will be beautifully shot on 35mm film by Emmy-nominated cinematographer Cira Felina Bolla. “Cira’s words to me was that she was ‘completely blown away’ with the beauty of the script,” Chan recalls. “She’s one the few female cinematographers around, so she brings a different interpretation and sensitivity to her work.” Chan’s goal is to raise $25,000, which will cover the costs of shooting on 35mm film. (He’s already raised $7,500.) Learn more about the funding here.

As part of an underrepresented ethnic minority in film and TV, Chan wanted to tell a meaningful story from his own unique cultural perspective as a Chinese American. Chan hopes to connect the finished film with audiences at international film festivals, immigrant advocacy groups, educational institutions, Asian community groups, Asian youth groups, broadcast television, socially conscious artistic groups, and Asian historical organizations.

“I really hope the film resonates strongly with immigrants like my mother and grandfather who had the bravery and foresight to forge a better future for successive generations, as well as with the children of immigrants like myself, who often struggle with issues of cultural identity and their sense of belonging,” Chan says. Hopefully, they’ll understand the incredible strength of kinship, which can span generations and continents.”

Writer/director Albert M. Chan talks about how his family’s immigration history inspired specific parts of the screenplay and how his mother reacted when she read the screenplay.

Updated video for Descendants of the Past, Ancestors of the Future funding