An ongoing pandemic, economic collapse, and racial reckoning throughout the country and the world. The past twelve months have put us all through more than we can remember. Since February of last year, racist attacks against Asians have skyrocketed, and we are now seeing more happening to older generations, the most vulnerable among us. This film aims at shining a light on the impact these attacks have not only on the victims but also on the people around them, the families that are left behind. We are working to address these issues through Jiho’s eyes, a young man who is targeted for his ethnicity, and that for the first time really makes him think about his place in society. His grandmother’s passing will wake something in him, an urge to discover who he is and to learn more about his origins.

It’s a small town in America. In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, life for Jiho, a second-generation Korean American man, and his Grandma seem to be getting gradually worse day by day. People they once knew are now targeting them, to the point that Grandma’s fruit farm is vandalized while Jiho and Grandma are enjoying their evening. After that, Jiho will never see Grandma again. Losing Grandma will wake an urge in Jiho, to find out more about himself and his culture, from the language all the way to making tea the right way.

The story takes place in the heart of rural America. The film explores a mix of countryside scenery and traditional Korean elements to which Jiho is introduced by Grandma. As Jiho spends time with Grandma, drinking tea and learning Korean, he finds out more about himself.

Jiho learns about Grandma's life in Korea, the family she left behind, and the tea traditions that were passed on from her mother. He finds out about her time in the US Army, and her need to fight for a place in a new society after serving. Ultimately, Jiho finds himself.

“I want this film to present a realistic and relatable story that can encourage audiences to love who they are.” Xiwen Miao, Writer/Director

Grandma’s story is one of heritage, family, devotion, and fighting for your place in the world. The tea traditions she passes on to Jiho are more than family heirlooms, they represent her life and her origins. Her time in the Army was her way to fight for a place to call her home. We believe that by having many different voices in leadership positions, we can truly make an impact and represent this story in the best way possible.

We want this film to be as realistic as it can be. We have found some incredible locations to bring Cha to life, including Grandma's fruit farm, the countryside scenery, and the military cemetery where she is resting.

The best way to support our project is to spread the word. Yes, donations are key for us to get this film made and shown to the world, but we also want everyone to know that these horrible things are happening right now, and they are affecting real people. Your contributions will help us secure the right locations, the equipment we need and make sure that our cast and crew are safe.

Our production is set to start filming in just a few weeks, our script is ready and the cast and crew are excited to get started. We are in process securing our locations. With your help, we will be able to fully move into production, and one step closer to sharing this story with all of you and with the world, online and in-person in as many festivals and venues as it is safe. We can't wait to show you this beautiful, compelling, meaningful film.