For 1st Generation Americans, life isn't luxurious. In the world of "The Ocean's Debt", we get a glimpse of what it means to be an immigrant. “The Ocean’s Debt” takes place in the early 2000s. A grandmother picks up her grandson after school to go fishing, like they always do. But this time, they argue about what to eat for dinner. Their small fight slowly brings up bigger feelings—about family, culture, and the pain they both carry. During their trip, they start to understand each other in a new way.

Based on True Stories

It was very common for Vietnamese refugees to be lost at sea after the Vietnam War. Estimates range from 200,000 to 400,000 people who died trying to escape by boat. As a Vietnamese community we have suffered great loss when immigrating to America. Many of my friends and family left Vietnam on boats. It is hard for us to approach these conversations because of how traumatic those experiences can be. It is important for our young to know of their history so they can understand who they are and what they came from.

This is one of the only photos I have of my late grandma while she was fishing. I don’t remember who took it, but I’m pretty sure I was around the corner playing with rocks. My grandma taught me how to fish. She didn’t have the fanciest rod or the nicest seat, but she loved it. It was her other hobby besides watching Hong Kong Dramas on rented VHS tapes.

I want to make this film for her.

Directors Statement: I grew up in the early 2000s, living in low income housing until I was 5 years old. Back then, I thought nothing of it. When my family bought their first home in a nicer area, they wanted to make sure I never went back. All the sudden, my family forced me to focus on my education. There was no time to play anymore. I then realized how much my family worked compared to others. They never had time to talk to me about yesterday or today, because they were so focused on tomorrow. Then, tomorrow came. I was at the age that my father was when he had me. It was like, I became self-aware a second time. I finally understood the hardships my family went through. I had all these questions I wanted to ask my grandma, but it was too late. She was gone and the questions remained unanswered.

If you are curious about my previous work, you can find my inaugural short film, Haircuts with Dad, on YouTube!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWpL1T5nGF4

Casting (in progress)

Grandma (Bà Ngoại) A 50-60 year old Vietnamese speaking grandmother. She has wrinkly and sun-damaged skin from living a labor-some life. She is a bit mean but has a softer side. She is a smoker with an early-stage lung cancer. Grandma wears red. A color that symbolizes happiness and luck. But red is also the color of grief. The altars we have in our homes often glow red.

Grandson (Hai) At 6-10 years old, they are relatively mature, but naive at the same time. He understands Vietnamese but prefers to speak in English. He is sassy due to being raised by a single mother and grandmother. The Grandchild wears yellow. They represent the hope we have for all children. To live a full life. 

Family Dynamic: Grandma had a rough adult-life in America. She knows how to talk smack and be on the receiving end. So does her Grandson. Being raised by his Mom and Grandma, he's got some sass to him.

These are NOT "Model Minorities" by any means. They have no reason to filter their thoughts. But all their out-of-pocket comments have deep meaning behind them.

References

This film is a mix of the 3 films above (Blue Bayou, Minari, The Farewell). We capture the the family dynamic in Blue Bayou, while keeping the real world hardships in Minari. The visual language will be borrowed from The Farewell in terms of framing with intention.

We plan on utilizing the 4:3 aspect ratio to pay homage to the VHS format.

Our Team

We are Atlanta's Asian creative community. Our team is made up mostly* of AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) creatives—writers, directors, producers, and artists who bring lived experience, cultural nuance, and deep personal connection to this story. In an industry where AAPI narratives are often shaped by outsiders or reduced to stereotypes, we believe it’s not just important, but essential for AAPI voices to be the ones telling our own stories. Our identities inform the choices we make on screen and behind the camera, from language and inter-generational dynamics to subtle cultural rituals that might otherwise go unnoticed. This project is more than just a film; it’s a reclamation of voice, space, and visibility.

Why now? In the current state of America, immigration is a consistent topic. It is more important than ever to bring light to these stories and bring them to those discussions. In the spirit of AAPI heritage month, now is the perfect time to tell this story.

Budget & Planning

Our projected budget of $15,000–$25,000 will go directly toward bringing this intimate story to life with care and quality. The majority will support our cast and crew under a SAG-AFTRA agreement, ensuring fair wages and professionalism on set. Additional funds cover equipment rentals, a beautiful Oceanside location, thoughtful art direction, and post-production essentials like editing, sound design, and color. We’ve also allocated for insurance, festival submissions, and a modest contingency.

Every dollar gets us closer to telling this heartfelt story with the detail and dignity it deserves.

Closing Statements

This may look like bait, but we aren’t leading you on. We don’t just believe we can make this film—we know it. What we need is your help to reel it in. This story comes from lived experience, from late-night kitchen conversations and cultural nuances rarely seen on screen. Every dollar you contribute is a line cast toward visibility, representation, and storytelling that honors where we come from and where we’re going. If the story speaks to you, or if you believe in the power of communities telling their own stories, please consider donating. We’re ready to bring this to shore—will you help us land it?

THANK YOU / Cảm ơn nhiều