Golden Garden Takeout
New York City, New York | Film Short
Drama, Comedy
A women-led, coming-of-age tale of teenage heartbreak - told through the lesser-told perspective of an Asian American immigrant mother.
Golden Garden Takeout
New York City, New York | Film Short
Drama, Comedy
1 Campaigns | New York, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $9,500 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
78 supporters | followers
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A women-led, coming-of-age tale of teenage heartbreak - told through the lesser-told perspective of an Asian American immigrant mother.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Golden Garden Takeout tells the story of Judy Li, an overinvolved Chinese American immigrant mother, who suspects that her teenage daughter, Steph, has a secret boyfriend. In fact she does, and one night, as she follows her daughter sneaking out of the house, about to catch her red-handed, Judy accidentally witnesses Steph's devastating breakup. Judy then finds herself rushing back inside, scrambling for a cover story of her own - and ultimately acts as if she is none the wiser.
Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022)
Why This Story Matters
This story is about my mom. And no, it's not based on a true story (I would never sneak out of my mother's house - I'm too scared!), but it is based on the relationship I have with her - and what it was like to grow up both Asian and American (much like Fruity Pebble-topped congee, which makes an appearance in the film). I always felt pulled between two cultures, and this coming-of-age story explores the spy shit we had to do as 1st generation kids to have typical American teenage experiences - while humanizing our immigrant parents, even when we fight with them.
We deserve more 1st generation kid-immigrant parent stories. We deserve to see our own stories on screen, and feel like our experiences are real, universal, rich, and worthy of our reflection and attention.
Where We're At
Golden Garden Takeout is currently in pre-production, with a goal of shooting over the course of 3 days by the end of summer 2023, and completing post-production by the end of the year. We are determined to work with a talented, largely Asian American and/or female-led cast and crew.
Over the past few months, we've been raising funds for the film through a series of public, ticketed in-person events in New York City - a Chinese takeout-themed "Sip & Sculpt" needle-felting class, a Table Reading of the script, and an AAPI Benefit Comedy Show that featured Dylan Adler (The Late Late Show), Sabrina Wu (Joyride), and more. Now, we're at the final stretch of fundraising with this crowdfunding campaign.
Pictured: Golden Garden Takeout Table Reading & Filmmaker Mixer event, April 19, 2023, Bobblehaus, New York, NY. From Left to Right: Eric Cheung, Lil Rhee, Stephanie Gong, Emily Locke.
How You Can Join Us
Your contribution will go toward the production of our short film - covering costs such as transportation, location fees, and props. It also aims to ensure that our cast and crew are compensated for their work.
If this story resonates with you, please join us in bringing it to life!
If you can't donate at this time? We totally get it. You can also help by texting or e-mailing our campaign to 1-3 people who you think might be interested in our mission. Otherwise, we always appreciate a share on social!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Location Fees
Costs $3,000
The right location, a suburban home with a staircase and backyard, is integral to how the story unfurls.
Meals for Our Cast And Crew
Costs $800
Keep our production team fueled up for our 3 days of shooting.
Camera Equipment Rental
Costs $2,000
While it's true a movie can be made even with an iPhone, proper camera equipment makes for a truly cinematic feel.
Travel Costs
Costs $700
To move our cast, crew, and equipment to shooting locations safely, we'll need a boost to get there.
Staffing
Costs $3,500
We can't make a movie without a crew. This will supplement livable wages for our talented staff.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Photo: Roshni Khatri
Maggie Wong (she/her), Writer/Director
Maggie is a New York-based writer and director. She focuses on stories that explore intimacy through a feminine lens. Her recent projects include writing short film "Maneki," selected for the 2022 Austin Film Festival, Asian American International Film Festival, and more, as well as writing/directing Jinnie's "who are you?" music video, which was nominated for Outstanding Music Video at the 2022 Micheaux Film Festival. By day, she works on the digital editorial team at Food Network. You can check out her work here.
Stephanie Gong (she/her), Producer
Stephanie Gong is an actor, filmmaker, and amateur home chef born and bred in NYC. She is a graduate of NYU Tisch School of the Arts, where she studied at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute and Stonestreet Studios. She is also an alumni of the Nine Muses Entertainment Lab, mentored by Bryce Dallas Howard. When she isn’t acting, Stephanie is often producing various film projects. She is a proud advocate for proper representation of Asians and Asian Americans in the entertainment industry, and a strong supporter of projects that do the same for other ethnic minorities. Every production Stephanie has worked on has reinforced her love for giving voice to unshared stories and pushing them into the mainstream.
Elle Xing (she/her), Producer
Elle Xing is a freelance filmmaker and illustrator, based in NYC. Originally studying fine arts, she blends her producing skills with over 10 years of creative experience, combining her two passions. Her work focuses on the experience and representation of the Asian diaspora across a variety of mediums.
Jane Macedo Yang (she/they), Director of Photography
Born and raised in the South, Jane Macedo Yang is a queer Chinese-Cambodian/Mexican-American director of photography based in Brooklyn. As the daughter of a refugee and immigrants, she aims to highlight underrepresented stories and voices, as well as stories focused on social justice issues, the environment and our connection to it, and on identity and community. Jane is DP on upcoming documentaries PARASTOO (2024), feature MADE IN THE USA: THE STRUGGLE FOR THE AMERICAN DREAM (TBD) and past clients include PBS, Art21, McGee Media, Gutsy Media, Fenton Communications, Exposure Labs and Apple TV. Jane focuses on documentaries and branded content, but is looking to expand into narrative work and is excited to join the Golden Garden Takeout team in their first foray into narrative shorts.
Syra Madad (she/her), Executive Producer
Syra Madad, DHSc, MSc, CHEP, is an internationally renowned epidemiologist, biosecurity advisor and science communicator. She is a prominent figure in the media industry, known for her expertise in public health and infectious diseases and frequently appears on various major media platforms. Dr. Madad is featured in the 2020 Emmy-nominated Netflix docuseries, Pandemic: How to Prevent an Outbreak, which follows a handful of leaders throughout the world on the frontlines to prevent the next pandemic.
Asians In Advertising, Executive Producer
Asians in Advertising is a non-profit 501c3 organization with a global network of over 5,000 members. Our mission centers around developing a thriving community, elevating Asians to higher leadership positions, and on-screen representation.
Cindy Xu (she/her), "Steph"
Hailing from up north in Vancouver, Canada, Cindy Xu is a NYC-based actor for both film/TV and stage (AEA Union Member). Her most recent works include the Off-Broadway debut of "Legend of the Chalk Circle", "The Doom That Came to Burger Slime", "As You Like It", and "Macbeth". She has devised performance works in Berlin, Germany, and appeared in video installations at The Miriam Gallery in Brooklyn, NY. You can find more of her work on her website (https://www.cindyxu.net/). Aside from acting, she is the Co-Founder and Co-Producer of an international women-led artistic collective called "Lighthouse Ladies" (https://www.lighthouse-ladies.com/). Cindy thanks everyone for their generous support, and is so excited to work with the entire team at "Golden Garden Takeout" to bring this story to life!
Yen Wen Chen (she/her), "Judy"
Hi! I'm Yen Wen Chen. A Taiwanese immigrant who came to NYC 27 years ago. After two years of studying fashion in Taiwan, I decided to pursue art in NY instead. Starting from language school, then going to Parsons School of Design. I started working as an art model all over the city which unexpectedly broke my relationship with my conservative family. After getting my BFA, I continued to stay in NYC working as a model, visual artist, art studio manager, artist assistant, freelance illustrator, museum staff and various positions at laundromat, thrift shops, and even worked as quality control manager for established salad franchise stores. In waves of life, I have lived as a roommate sharing an apartment, to living as an artist resident at historic Chelsea Hotel, to surviving in an ancient single room occupancy (SRO) building, to my final home which will turn into my dream museum one day.... All my past ups and downs have fermented and turned into the richest life I experience as an actor who embraces the light and has the courage to dive into darkness. Truth matters. Acting is sincerely experiencing different lives through storytelling. Writing is expressing how it's like to live as a real human being. I'm grateful to share my passion for the arts by being authentic. The mosaic of life is worthy of love and respect.
Vibhor Mathur (he/him), "Dev"
Vibhor is a New York-based actor and writer. His writing has spanned from comedy sketches to speeches to screenplays. Vibhor began acting at 13, starting with Canadian sci-fi drama “Sanctuary”, and Nickelodeon’s “The Troop”
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Golden Garden Takeout tells the story of Judy Li, an overinvolved Chinese American immigrant mother, who suspects that her teenage daughter, Steph, has a secret boyfriend. In fact she does, and one night, as she follows her daughter sneaking out of the house, about to catch her red-handed, Judy accidentally witnesses Steph's devastating breakup. Judy then finds herself rushing back inside, scrambling for a cover story of her own - and ultimately acts as if she is none the wiser.
Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022)
Why This Story Matters
This story is about my mom. And no, it's not based on a true story (I would never sneak out of my mother's house - I'm too scared!), but it is based on the relationship I have with her - and what it was like to grow up both Asian and American (much like Fruity Pebble-topped congee, which makes an appearance in the film). I always felt pulled between two cultures, and this coming-of-age story explores the spy shit we had to do as 1st generation kids to have typical American teenage experiences - while humanizing our immigrant parents, even when we fight with them.
We deserve more 1st generation kid-immigrant parent stories. We deserve to see our own stories on screen, and feel like our experiences are real, universal, rich, and worthy of our reflection and attention.
Where We're At
Golden Garden Takeout is currently in pre-production, with a goal of shooting over the course of 3 days by the end of summer 2023, and completing post-production by the end of the year. We are determined to work with a talented, largely Asian American and/or female-led cast and crew.
Over the past few months, we've been raising funds for the film through a series of public, ticketed in-person events in New York City - a Chinese takeout-themed "Sip & Sculpt" needle-felting class, a Table Reading of the script, and an AAPI Benefit Comedy Show that featured Dylan Adler (The Late Late Show), Sabrina Wu (Joyride), and more. Now, we're at the final stretch of fundraising with this crowdfunding campaign.
Pictured: Golden Garden Takeout Table Reading & Filmmaker Mixer event, April 19, 2023, Bobblehaus, New York, NY. From Left to Right: Eric Cheung, Lil Rhee, Stephanie Gong, Emily Locke.
How You Can Join Us
Your contribution will go toward the production of our short film - covering costs such as transportation, location fees, and props. It also aims to ensure that our cast and crew are compensated for their work.
If this story resonates with you, please join us in bringing it to life!
If you can't donate at this time? We totally get it. You can also help by texting or e-mailing our campaign to 1-3 people who you think might be interested in our mission. Otherwise, we always appreciate a share on social!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Location Fees
Costs $3,000
The right location, a suburban home with a staircase and backyard, is integral to how the story unfurls.
Meals for Our Cast And Crew
Costs $800
Keep our production team fueled up for our 3 days of shooting.
Camera Equipment Rental
Costs $2,000
While it's true a movie can be made even with an iPhone, proper camera equipment makes for a truly cinematic feel.
Travel Costs
Costs $700
To move our cast, crew, and equipment to shooting locations safely, we'll need a boost to get there.
Staffing
Costs $3,500
We can't make a movie without a crew. This will supplement livable wages for our talented staff.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Photo: Roshni Khatri
Maggie Wong (she/her), Writer/Director
Maggie is a New York-based writer and director. She focuses on stories that explore intimacy through a feminine lens. Her recent projects include writing short film "Maneki," selected for the 2022 Austin Film Festival, Asian American International Film Festival, and more, as well as writing/directing Jinnie's "who are you?" music video, which was nominated for Outstanding Music Video at the 2022 Micheaux Film Festival. By day, she works on the digital editorial team at Food Network. You can check out her work here.
Stephanie Gong (she/her), Producer
Stephanie Gong is an actor, filmmaker, and amateur home chef born and bred in NYC. She is a graduate of NYU Tisch School of the Arts, where she studied at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute and Stonestreet Studios. She is also an alumni of the Nine Muses Entertainment Lab, mentored by Bryce Dallas Howard. When she isn’t acting, Stephanie is often producing various film projects. She is a proud advocate for proper representation of Asians and Asian Americans in the entertainment industry, and a strong supporter of projects that do the same for other ethnic minorities. Every production Stephanie has worked on has reinforced her love for giving voice to unshared stories and pushing them into the mainstream.
Elle Xing (she/her), Producer
Elle Xing is a freelance filmmaker and illustrator, based in NYC. Originally studying fine arts, she blends her producing skills with over 10 years of creative experience, combining her two passions. Her work focuses on the experience and representation of the Asian diaspora across a variety of mediums.
Jane Macedo Yang (she/they), Director of Photography
Born and raised in the South, Jane Macedo Yang is a queer Chinese-Cambodian/Mexican-American director of photography based in Brooklyn. As the daughter of a refugee and immigrants, she aims to highlight underrepresented stories and voices, as well as stories focused on social justice issues, the environment and our connection to it, and on identity and community. Jane is DP on upcoming documentaries PARASTOO (2024), feature MADE IN THE USA: THE STRUGGLE FOR THE AMERICAN DREAM (TBD) and past clients include PBS, Art21, McGee Media, Gutsy Media, Fenton Communications, Exposure Labs and Apple TV. Jane focuses on documentaries and branded content, but is looking to expand into narrative work and is excited to join the Golden Garden Takeout team in their first foray into narrative shorts.
Syra Madad (she/her), Executive Producer
Syra Madad, DHSc, MSc, CHEP, is an internationally renowned epidemiologist, biosecurity advisor and science communicator. She is a prominent figure in the media industry, known for her expertise in public health and infectious diseases and frequently appears on various major media platforms. Dr. Madad is featured in the 2020 Emmy-nominated Netflix docuseries, Pandemic: How to Prevent an Outbreak, which follows a handful of leaders throughout the world on the frontlines to prevent the next pandemic.
Asians In Advertising, Executive Producer
Asians in Advertising is a non-profit 501c3 organization with a global network of over 5,000 members. Our mission centers around developing a thriving community, elevating Asians to higher leadership positions, and on-screen representation.
Cindy Xu (she/her), "Steph"
Hailing from up north in Vancouver, Canada, Cindy Xu is a NYC-based actor for both film/TV and stage (AEA Union Member). Her most recent works include the Off-Broadway debut of "Legend of the Chalk Circle", "The Doom That Came to Burger Slime", "As You Like It", and "Macbeth". She has devised performance works in Berlin, Germany, and appeared in video installations at The Miriam Gallery in Brooklyn, NY. You can find more of her work on her website (https://www.cindyxu.net/). Aside from acting, she is the Co-Founder and Co-Producer of an international women-led artistic collective called "Lighthouse Ladies" (https://www.lighthouse-ladies.com/). Cindy thanks everyone for their generous support, and is so excited to work with the entire team at "Golden Garden Takeout" to bring this story to life!
Yen Wen Chen (she/her), "Judy"
Hi! I'm Yen Wen Chen. A Taiwanese immigrant who came to NYC 27 years ago. After two years of studying fashion in Taiwan, I decided to pursue art in NY instead. Starting from language school, then going to Parsons School of Design. I started working as an art model all over the city which unexpectedly broke my relationship with my conservative family. After getting my BFA, I continued to stay in NYC working as a model, visual artist, art studio manager, artist assistant, freelance illustrator, museum staff and various positions at laundromat, thrift shops, and even worked as quality control manager for established salad franchise stores. In waves of life, I have lived as a roommate sharing an apartment, to living as an artist resident at historic Chelsea Hotel, to surviving in an ancient single room occupancy (SRO) building, to my final home which will turn into my dream museum one day.... All my past ups and downs have fermented and turned into the richest life I experience as an actor who embraces the light and has the courage to dive into darkness. Truth matters. Acting is sincerely experiencing different lives through storytelling. Writing is expressing how it's like to live as a real human being. I'm grateful to share my passion for the arts by being authentic. The mosaic of life is worthy of love and respect.
Vibhor Mathur (he/him), "Dev"
Vibhor is a New York-based actor and writer. His writing has spanned from comedy sketches to speeches to screenplays. Vibhor began acting at 13, starting with Canadian sci-fi drama “Sanctuary”, and Nickelodeon’s “The Troop”