Something Good Going On

Los Angeles, California | Film Short

Comedy, Drama

Arnold Setiadi

1 Campaigns | California, United States

12 days :10 hrs :17 mins

Until Deadline

153 supporters | followers

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$9,015

Goal: $15,000 for production

In his last days home, a first-generation Indonesian teen confronts a stolen restaurant paycheck, a strained father-son bond, and the cost of his Ivy League future. This is a bittersweet, funny tribute to messy love, sacrifice, and the joy we find in the struggle.

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Mission Statement

This story uplifts imperfect, working-class immigrants who defy the model minority myth. It honors messy families, invisible struggles, and the unseen village behind “success” — with humor, heart, and a distinctly Indonesian American voice.

The Story


Something Good Going On is a 15-minute coming-of-age comedy-drama that follows Christian, a working-class Indonesian-Chinese American teen, during his final days at home before heading off to his Ivy League future. As he clocks in for one last chaotic and heartfelt shift at the restaurant alongside his older brother, a ragtag team of coworkers, and his immigrant father Halim a stolen paycheck sets off a chain of events that upends their routine. Beneath the laughter and long hours, tensions simmer between father and son, forcing them to confront the unspoken cost of sacrifice, expectations, and what it means to let go.



Something Good Going On is a personal story about love, sacrifice, and the complicated layers of growing up first-generation, low-income.


My dad has been a waiter for over twenty years. He left behind Indonesia so his kids could have a shot at something better. Because of him, I became the first person from my small, working-class hometown to get into Yale. But that journey wasn’t just pride — it was also impostor syndrome, guilt, unworthiness. It’s the feeling of carrying your family's dreams on your back while wondering if you truly belong.


This film sits inside that contradiction. It’s about the messy love between a father and son — a love that isn’t always said, but is shown through small sacrifices and even smaller jokes. In my house, humor was how we survived. It was how we kept going when things got heavy.


Something Good Going On is a tribute to that spirit — to finding joy in the struggle, to honoring the people who sacrificed quietly, and to reminding ourselves, even when it’s hard, that there's still something good happening.



WHY NOW?


Right now, many immigrant communities are being reduced to headlines and/or dehumanized. Something Good Going On is our response — a funny, heartfelt film that shows working-class immigrants not as stereotypes or statistics, but as real people.


This is a story about a dad who steals filet mignon for his kids. A son trying to pack for college with an overdrawn bank account. It’s about love through leftover sushi, late-night karaoke in the kitchen, and jokes told in three different languages.


We’re showing their joy, flaws, and everyday resilience with humor and honesty. These lives are messy, loud, funny — and deeply human. We don’t often see immigrant dads allowed to be this funny, flawed, or full of love. Something Good Going On is my attempt to capture that: not the trauma, but the tenderness underneath it.


WHY YOU?


This film is for anyone who’s ever felt caught between where they come from and where they’re going.


It’s for Asian Americans — including the Indonesian-Chinese community — who’ve rarely seen their everyday lives reflected on screen. It’s for first-generation, low-income kids packing for college with an overdrawn bank account, carrying the hopes of a whole family. It’s for immigrants of all kinds — those navigating language, culture, and expectations — and for anyone who’s had a complicated relationship with their parents but still loves them deeply.


It’s also for anyone who needs a laugh. Because even in the chaos, there’s humor, heart, and something good going on.




CHRISTIAN: an 18-year-old Indonesian-Chinese American on the brink of an Ivy League future, is a kind, intelligent, and optimistic young man whose perfectionism and deep insecurities about his humble, immigrant background challenge his belief in his own worth, forcing him to reconcile his dreams with the imperfect reality of his family.



HALIM: Christian's lovable, goofy, and charming father, is an Indonesian immigrant waiter who hides his deep-seated trauma, pride, and financial struggles behind a jovial exterior, ultimately confronting his own flaws and jealousy as he grapples with supporting his son's future while dealing with the guilt of his actions.



VINCENT: Christian’s older brother, is a college dropout working alongside their father. Struggling to carve his own path while battling resentment from family pressure and the weight of his environment, he remains deeply loyal to his family, driven by street smarts and a desire to build a better future for himself.


THE MICHIKO GANG: a tight-knit, diverse group of restaurant workers from various backgrounds and ages who, despite their differences, have formed a makeshift family, providing each other support, laughter, and a sense of belonging.



(Left to Right: Arnold Setiadi, Kaidy Kuna, Patty Setiadi)


Arnold Setiadi as CHRISTIAN: Arnold Setiadi is a Yale-trained Chinese-Indonesian actor from Bridgeport, CT. Along with starring in numerous plays, musicals, and festival-qualifying films (including Indonesian film Glodok '98 which premiered at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater and is currently making an Oscar-qualifying film festival run), he also studied acting and writing in England, received training from David Geffen School of Drama at Yale Dean James Bundy, and currently trains at renowned studios such as Howard Fine Acting Studio, Ivana Chubbuck Studio, and East West Players. He is represented by Luber Roklin Entertainment.


Kaidy Kuna as HALIM: Hailing from Jakarta, Indonesia, Kaidy has accumulated dozens of professional Film/TV credits such as The Rookie (Hulu), Craig of the Creek (Cartoon Network), New Amsterdam (NBC), The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and Scrubs. He's also the lead in Daly City (Dir. Nick Hartanto), a recent Indonesian film winning accolades across the globe.


Patty Setiadi as VINCENT: Patty is an actor and UCB Diversity Scholar known for his bold, character-driven work across film, television, and comedy. He stars in the titular role of Rhythmic Exercises with Priadi, an Indonesian film by Cinema Inclusion (Cedric Christophorus & Victoria Gunawan), which premiered at NFFTY. Patty also recently appeared on Wish List Games (Amazon Prime) and brings his unique voice to audiences as a podcast host. He is proudly represented by Prestigious Models and Image Powerhouse.




Our biggest visual inspiration is Wim Wenders’ Perfect Days. Something Good Going On finds beauty in the quiet rhythms of working-class life. Through wide shots of Christian alone — in the restaurant, on his commute, or packing in his dim apartment — we underscore a feeling of stillness and isolation. The seemingly mundane rituals of our characters, from wiping tables to singing karaoke with spatulas, hold a quiet grace that speaks volumes.


We also take inspiration from Charlotte Wells’ Aftersun. The film’s aching intimacy and fractured memory structure resonate with our narrative approach. A key element of our film is perspective — we revisit moments from earlier scenes through later montages, revealing new meaning as Christian begins to reconcile the father he knew with the man he’s only now beginning to understand.


Visually, we will alternate between wide and tight compositions to reflect Christian’s emotional state. For example, in the restaurant, we open with a one-take that captures the chaos, warmth, and camaraderie of the back kitchen — shaky and scrappy, yet free. By contrast, when Christian is back in the apartment, we use claustrophobic close-ups to show how cramped and stifled he feels, underscoring his longing for something more.


Car scenes with Christian and Halim become metaphors for movement and freedom. Lit by the late-day sun, these intimate moments on the road are tinged with a sense of hope and ache, echoing the emotional resonance of Lady Bird and Minari — stories that also capture the messy mix of love, resentment, and ambition.


We also draw inspiration from The Farewell and Ted Lasso. Our ensemble cast in the restaurant is a microcosm of found family where jokes are a coping mechanism and laughter becomes a language of belonging.


In essence, Something Good Going On is a story told through glances, routines, and small gestures — a visual language rooted in the emotional textures of immigrant life.






Funding Goals & Timeline

Our initial crowdfunding goal is $15,000, which allows us to greenlight the production if we hit at least $12,000 by June 27th. If we don’t hit that minimum, we lose all funds raisedevery dollar goes back. So your support now truly makes a difference. We have a stretch goal of $18,000 to reduce the financial burden on our cast and crew.


Every Share & Follow Counts!

We need 350 followers by June 27 to stay eligible for a production grant and mentorship with Gold House. Even if you’re not in a place to contribute financially, you can still make a big impact! Any and all contributions help tremendously. Follow this campaign and @AsianArnold on Instagram to see all of our updates. Thank you!


Wishlist

Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.

Cash Pledge

Costs $0

Camera

Costs $2,200

Trust us - seeing the hustle and bustle of the restaurant shenanigans in HIGH QUALITY will be worth it!

Grip & Electric

Costs $1,500

Who eats at a dark restaurant?

Production Design

Costs $2,200

Christian's gritty and authentic world must be brought to life!

Locations (Restaurant)

Costs $4,000

We don't wanna cook fake food!

Cast

Costs $1,000

Support our fellow Thespians, please!

Food

Costs $2,600

Starving on set isn't fun.

Sound

Costs $1,500

A silent film is cool, but maybe not for this one.

About This Team

We’ve assembled a powerhouse team of AAPI (Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, China, etc.) and first-generation immigrant creatives — storytellers who know these characters because we've lived versions of their lives. In a time when our communities are too often silenced, stereotyped, or sidelined, building a team like this isn’t just intentional — it’s urgent.


We’re creating a space where our voices, our humor, and our lived experiences are not only seen, but celebrated. By supporting this campaign, you're not just helping fund a film — you’re investing in a vibrant community of artists who are uplifting each other and reshaping the narrative, together.


Arnold Setiadi (Executive Producer, Writer, Director, Actor)


Arnold Setiadi is a Yale-trained Chinese-Indonesian actor from Bridgeport, CT. He recently graduated from Yale’s Theater, Dance, & Performance Studies and Political Science programs on a full-ride scholarship as a first-generation student. Along with starring in numerous plays, musicals, and festival-qualifying films, he also studied acting and writing in England, received training from David Geffen School of Drama at Yale Dean James Bundy, and currently trains at renowned studios such as Howard Fine Acting Studio, Ivana Chubbuck Studio, and East West Players. He is represented by Luber Roklin Entertainment. Beyond acting, Arnold works in the entertainment industry, blending his creative talents with business expertise gained through roles at UTA, The Gotham Film & Media Institute, The New York Film & Music Foundation, and more.


LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arnoldsetiadi/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asianarnold/

Website: https://arnoldsetiadi.com/

Press: https://voyagela.com/interview/meet-arnold-setiadi-of-los-angeles


Yassi Xiong (Executive Producer)


Yassi Xiong is a business strategist and Yale graduate with a dual degree in History and Mathematics. She currently works at the intersection of media, technology, and strategy—advising on go-to-market strategies and driving global product activation. Yassi is also a digital creator with over 15k followers and millions of views across platforms, where she shares engaging content on lifestyle, career development, and dance.


Desmond Qi Hong Loh (Producer)


Desmond Qi Hong Loh is a Malaysian-born Chinese producer currently working with Something Good Going On. With a growing portfolio of impactful storytelling, Desmond has served as producer on Glodok 98 and Your Promise, and as associate producer on Moksha — among other projects across film and media. His work blends a passion for creative collaboration with a deep commitment to the craft of filmmaking. In addition to producing, Desmond occasionally explores the world of acting when the opportunity arises. Most recently, he had the chance to voice a role in Marvel’s Thunderbolts, an experience he found both exciting and humbling. Outside of film, you’ll likely find Desmond at anime conventions or deep into a video game — always chasing stories, in one form or another. For more, visit instagram.com/desmondlohjuntian or youtube.com/@DesmondJeffersonLoh


Nathania Djuhar (Producer)


Nathania Djuhar is a Chinese-Indonesian director / producer from Singapore, currently studying at USC's Peter Stark Producing Program. Prior to her time at the Peter Stark Program, she was a coordinator at All3Media International, working in TV distribution across the APAC region with clients ranging from BBC Asia to Amazon India and more. She has also previously interned at Jim Parson's production company That's Wonderful Productions, as well as Shivani Rawat's ShivHans Pictures. Previously, she was the production manager for the short film The Goji Project (Best Sci-Fi at the Crown Point International Film Festival, nominated for Best Sci-Fi at the Indie Short Fest). She also produced a USC animated thesis film Blooky: The Book Who Wanted To Be Read, associate produced a USC thesis film Perennials, and more recently, directed and produced her short film Quantum Entanglement. She hopes to continue telling stories that overcome boundaries and uplift communities across the globe.


Cedric Christophorus (Co-Producer)


Cedric Christophorus is a Chinese-Indonesian filmmaker based in Los Angeles whose work explores race, gender, and immigration through a genre-bending lens. He is currently part of the team at ARRAY and leads Cinema Inclusion, a collective supporting Indonesian storytellers. His latest short, Rhythmic Exercise with Priadi, premiered at the 2025 National Film Festival for Talented Youth, with previous work recognized by LA Shorts, Atlanta Film Festival, and the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. Cedric was a finalist for the 2025 Sundance Cultural Impact Residency and contributed as a writer to Ava DuVernay’s ORIGIN Learning Companion, a 2025 Webby Awards Honoree. He has also served on the production teams for DuVernay’s MasterClass Reframe Your Thinking and the ABC Owned Television Special Our America: Hidden Stories.


Victoria Gunawan (Co-Producer)


Victoria Gunawan is an Indonesian filmmaker based in Los Angeles and Atlanta whose work explores themes of femininity, identity, and personal experience within Asian culture. She currently works at Bloc Talent Agency and is part of Cinema Inclusion, an independent media collective dedicated to incubating films by Indonesian storytellers. Her latest short film, The Next Thing I Know, I’m Dead, was selected for the 2025 Atlanta Film Festival. Her previous film, Icing on Her Cake, co-written and co-directed by Gunawan, premiered at the LA Shorts International Film Festival and screened at other notable events. Outside of filmmaking, she enjoys having good conversations, meeting new people, and trying out new dishes.


Daphne Joyce Wu (Associate Producer)


Daphne Joyce Wu is a Midwest-born, second-generation Chinese-American writer and filmmaker studying Film & Media Studies and Economics at Yale. As the eldest daughter of Sichuanese immigrants, she is passionate about amplifying minority voices through storytelling in writing, theatre, and film. Daphne has interned at Paramount, ACE Entertainment, and Toluca Pictures, contributing to audience development, production, and script coverage, and led creative marketing for Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, with her TikTok content surpassing 500K views. At Yale, she directed the Symphony Orchestra Halloween Show and worked on numerous award-winning short films, including Heartbreak Avenue (Nassau Film Festival Honorable Mention) and Yin Yang (Serbest International Film Festival Semifinalist). Her work explores identity, relationships, and social justice, and she aspires to build a career in both documentary and narrative filmmaking. For more, visit daphnejoycewu.com or email [email protected].


Eli Berliner (Associate Producer)


Eli Berliner is a senior at Yale University majoring in Film & Media Studies. As an independent producer and director of over 20 short films, his work has been screened at the San Francisco, Seattle, and Woodstock International Film Festivals, as well as the Emerging Filmmaker Showcase at Cannes. He has interned at Aggregate Films, 1.21 Entertainment, Ace Entertainment, and United Talent Agency. In 2024, he co-directed the Yale Student Film Festival, leading all aspects of the event.


Sebastian Aldo Widjaya (Cinematographer)


Aldo Widjaya is an Indonesian director and cinematographer based in Los Angeles, California. With an emphasis on narrative filmmaking, Aldo is passionate on bringing stories to life and helping others in doing so. Having worked in the film industry for 4 years, Aldo has worked in numerous projects both in Los Angeles as well as his hometown of Jakarta, Indonesia.


Alice Wibisono (Sound Designer)


Alice creates thoughtful soundscapes for narrative films, tv, documentaries, and animation, always striving to enhance the stories she works on. her projects have been featured on platforms like OUTtv, Prime Video, and Apple TV, and recognized at festivals such as the Collision Award, Aesthetica Advertising Film Award, and Berlin Commercial Award, and much more. She is especially drawn to projects that highlight AAPI stories, generational themes, and the complexities of human emotions. with her past experience working at Palari Films and Enhanced Media, she now runs her own small studio, dedicated to bringing meaningful sound design to every project.


Bairon Reyes Luna (Composer)


Bairon Reyes Luna is a New York-based music producer, theater artist, and Yale graduate, where he studied Theater through the Shen Curriculum for Musical Theater. A proud Honduran American and first-generation college student, Bairon works across disciplines as a composer, producer, and sound engineer. He currently works as an arts educator at the Park Avenue Armory and Harlem Children’s Zone, mentoring the next generation of sound artists. Bairon’s recent projects include his original musical Heaven & Hell, web series I’m So Happy for You, film Wing Mom, and many more.


Michellia Sumigar (Graphic Designer)


Michellia Sumigar is a multi-faceted graphic designer who can swiftly produce multiple solutions with an innovative twist. Currently working in a Marketing Agency which makes use of her high proficiency of Adobe Creative Cloud applications (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, After Effects, Premiere Pro, and XD) and started a passion project that lets her explore app development.


Website: https://michelliadesigns.com/

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