In Albert M. Chan's 16-minute short film Descendants of the Past, Ancestors of the Future, Golden Globe, Emmy, and Drama Desk nominee Tina Chen (Three Days of the Condor) and Chan (Ghosts of Girlfriends Past, Law & Order: SVU, and 30 Rock) star in the story of a multi-generational Asian-American family with an incredible  bond that transcends both time and national boundaries. Andrew (Chan) is the son of Chinese immigrants and about to become a father to a baby girl. Before she is born, however, Andrew is desperately seeking insight into how his mother (Chen) and her own father lived apart for most of their lives.

Paced beautifully and told with intelligence and wisdom, the film beautifully embodies the authentic voice and experience of an Asian-American immigrant family with an emotionally resonant story that feels authentic and wisely avoids unnecessary histrionics. Both Chen and Chan are strong here, living into the truth of their life experiences and yet honoring the culture in which they live by genuine listening and presence with one another. This feels different than an American short would necessarily tackle the same subject, because it simply needed to feel incredibly different.

For more information on the film, visit the film's website linked to in the credits.

Written by Richard Propes
The Independent Critic