The AFI thesis film “Samnang” is a donut shop love story set in Long Beach, California. SAMNANG is a recent Cambodian immigrant who works nights at a donut shop. He’s a solitary man who has found comfort in his new country by building a life of routine. But when his boss, NGOUN, orders him to train a new worker – his sister, VANNY, a spunky, single mom, he begins to discover that life could be a bit sweeter with another baker in the kitchen.

“Samnang” is inspired by writer Vanara Taing’s childhood memories of watching her family work to build a life in the United States through making donuts.

Samnang Trailer