LOGLINE

A desperate mother's extreme plan to secure her American Dream for her son spirals into a devastating family crisis of guilt, sacrifice, and betrayal.

SYNOPSIS

Hemi, a determined mother, hides her husband Jong's illness to keep son Hari focused on school. When Hari returns home, she unveils a chilling plan: fund his tuition with Jong’s life insurance. Horrified, Hari seeks medical care for Jong, but Hemi tragically follows through, sacrificing everything for her son’s future.

ARTISTIC STATEMENT

As a South Korean Judeo-Christian who grew up in both South Korea and the United States, my perspective on character is shaped by the value structures of religion and education. SELFLESS is an exploration and satire of the delusion that arises from structures of religion and education as perceived as absolute, particularly within the context of an American immigrant household. There is an inherent hilarity in the hypocrisy and contradictions of religious practitioners I am familiar with. From common gossipmongers to self-absolution through faith, these themes lend themselves to satire. Combined with the significance of higher education in immigrant households, Hemi’s self-sacrifice becomes an absurdist, darkly comic culmination of the internal and societal pressures she imposes on herself as both am immigrant mother. Cinematographically, I draw inspiration from Andrei Tarkovsky and Ingmar Bergman. Tarkovsky’s poetic use of grounded camera movements and composition allows action and emotion to unfold with deeper meaning, while Bergman’s mise-en-scène encourages subtextual interpretation. Through meticulous storyboarding, the DP and I will craft visual subtext that underscores the tension between characters. To enhance the absurdist, black comedy aspect, I aim to shoot exclusively with wide lenses, following Roger Deakins’ early work with the Coen Brothers—creating slightly distorted, unsettling close-ups that emphasize Hemi’s tragicomic journey. Production design will take a layered approach: the first layer representing the American environment the characters inhabit, the second reflecting their South Korean identity within and beyond the home, and the third incorporating gothic visual motifs—such as distorted reflections that expose Hemi’s dark nature and candle flames flickering in her pupils to signify relentless fixation. As a director and full-time editor in advertising, I have recently come to appreciate the power of sound in storytelling. While my ethos has traditionally aligned with Sergei Eisenstein’s theory of montage, I recognize how intentional sound design can elevate a film’s emotional depth and naturalism. Sound design will be an integral step in shaping SELFLESS into an immersive and cinematic experience. My last short film, TROMBONE MAGIC, was an absurdist, surrealist comedy, but it lacked personal elements. SELFLESS, however, is deeply personal. The theme of self-sacrifice is rooted in my father’s passing in 2020. As a middle-class immigrant family who moved to the U.S. in 2001, we did not share Hemi’s single-minded fixation on achievement, but my father’s passing shaped my reflections upon societal identity, religious hypocrisy, and the pursuit of perceived success—ultimately culminating in a poignant and tragicomic realization. As an artist, I strive to refine my voice in satire, black comedy, and absurdist humor with SELFLESS and beyond. On set, I am deeply committed to cultivating a family-like atmosphere where art flourishes free from fear or judgment. Every crew member chosen by the producer and me is a trusted creative with whom I have worked closely. It is essential that all creatives involved are not only skilled but also respectful and understanding, ensuring that the experience behind the camera is as meaningful as the art we create in front of it.

KEY CREW

Angel Yu - Hair and Make Up

Angel Yu is a Taiwanese-American makeup artist and actress based in New York City. She has contributed her makeup artistry skills to various film projects, including “Salem Occultist” (2016), “Not Promised Tomorrow” (2023), and “Life Is Too Short” (2015). Angel is known for her versatility and creativity, consistently delivering exceptional work that enhances the visual storytelling of each project. Her dedication to her craft and ability to adapt to diverse artistic visions have made her a sought-after professional in the industry. Angel continues to explore new opportunities in both makeup artistry and acting, aiming to expand her creative horizons and contribute to compelling narratives.

Charles Mbaruguru - Producer / Line Producer

Charles Mbaruguru is a strategic business operations leader with nearly 12 years of experience at the intersections of technology, finance, and media. As the first business hire at Avail, a growth-stage AI startup, he built the company’s operational foundation and shaped its first AI product strategy. Previously, in management consulting, Charles drove nearly $200 million in procurement savings for global financial institutions, showcasing his ability to navigate complex challenges and deliver impactful results. Charles’ passion for storytelling and cinema fuels his vision to merge business and film. Inspired by studios like A24 and Neon, he envisions creating “commercial art films” that balance artistic integrity with market appeal. His expertise in scaling operations and managing high-stakes portfolios offers a unique foundation for a producing career, where he aims to foster bold, experimental projects that resonate globally. At the heart of Charles’ mission lies a commitment to crafting stories that move people—poetic yet accessible, intimate yet far-reaching.

Geraldine Schubert - Producer/Assistant Director

Geraldine Schubert is a seasoned professional in the film and television industry, renowned for her extensive work as a second unit director, assistant director, and additional crew member. She gained recognition for her contributions to notable films such as "Triple Frontier" (2019), "Hitman" (2007), and "Past Lives" (2023). Schubert's career encompasses a diverse array of roles across both cinematic and television projects. In the film sector, she has served as a second assistant director on productions like "Past Lives" (2023) and "Clifford the Big Red Dog" (2021). Her expertise also extends to line production, exemplified by her work on the short film "Esther in Wonderland" (2021). Additionally, she has held positions such as production assistant on films including "Shaft" (2019) and "The Upside" (2017). In television, Schubert's roles have been equally varied and impactful. She has functioned as a second assistant director on series like "Chicago P.D." (2022–2023) and "Flatbush Misdemeanors" (2022), demonstrating her adaptability and leadership in episodic storytelling. Her responsibilities have also included key production assistant duties on shows such as "Difficult People" (2017) and "The Detour" (2017), highlighting her comprehensive understanding of production dynamics. Throughout her career, Schubert has consistently showcased a commitment to excellence and a versatile skill set, contributing significantly to both mainstream and independent projects. Her diverse experiences reflect a profound dedication to the craft of filmmaking and television production.

Kevin Kim - Director of Photography

Kevin is a cinematographer and director based in Brooklyn, New York. He studied advertising photography and earned his BFA in Professional Photo Illustration from the Rochester Institute of Technology. His work is showcased in The Flag Project (2021), an exhibition at the iconic Rockefeller Center reflecting the diversity, energy and spirit of New York City organized by the Aperture foundation. His work is also featured on The AI-AP ARCHIVE as a part of the Winning Collection for American Photography 28.

Yulanda Yo-Rong Shieh - Production Designer

Yulanda Yo-Rong Shieh is a production and scenic designer based in New York City. Her love of listening to stories as a kid has grown into a passion for visual storytelling. She enjoys the process of making the imaginary a reality. Born and raised in Taiwan, she has her BA in theatre and has designed sets for many features produced in Asia, including Black and White II (Yueh-Hsun Tsai), Journey to the West II (Hark Tsui), Bleeding Steel (Leo Zhang), The Taste of Rice Flower (Peng-Fei Song), and L’Autre Continent (Romain Cogitore). Her production design work has been seen in Oscar-qualifying festivals such as Palm Springs Film Festival, HollyShorts, Austin Film Festival, Chicago International Children's Film Festival, American Black Film Festival, BronzeLens Film Festival, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and San Francisco Jewish Film Festival, among other BAFTA and Canadian Screen Award-qualifying festivals. In addition to her film credits, her set design for the opera Elektra was exhibited in Prague Quadrennial in 2011. Other selected designs for stage include The Natural Horse (Alleyway Theater), Saudades (Et Alia Theater), and A Streetcar Named Desire (Taiwan Artist House). She received her MFA in Design For Stage and Film at NYU/Tisch and is a proud member of United Scenic Artists Local 829.

Abbigail Hyunh - Art Director

Specializing as a Director/Producer/Production Designer, based in Brooklyn, NY, currently freelancing at HsuBox Productions as an office assistant. There's a true power in filmmaking, not only for us behind the scenes but also the impact it has on those we try to connect to - Whether through narratives rooted in personal experiences or universal truths, I aim to create and uplift films that to tap into one's nostalgia and bring out a sense of comfort.

Ryan Kim - Script Supervisor

Ryan Kim is a New York-based filmmaker originally from South Korea, currently honing his craft at Columbia University. He has dedicated extensive hours to mastering both the artistic and technical aspects of storytelling through film. Ryan’s work spans a diverse range of narratives, from light-hearted romantic comedies to profound explorations of loneliness, often incorporating unique elements like puppetry to resonate with a broad audience. In his role as a director, Ryan emphasizes collaboration and meticulous planning. He is adept at developing detailed shot lists, conducting insightful character analyses, and preparing comprehensive location briefings to ensure a unified vision among his team. Beyond directing, Ryan offers services in screenwriting, production, and post-production editing, aiming to assist others in bringing their creative visions to life in an engaging and impactful manner.

Nolan Shi - Assistant Camera

Nolan Shi is a cinematographer based in New York City, specializing in crafting visually compelling narratives through film. With a keen eye for composition, lighting, and movement, he brings stories to life with dynamic and immersive cinematography. Whether capturing the energy of a fast-paced commercial, the rich textures of a food documentary, or the intimate moments of a narrative film, Nolan’s work reflects his dedication to visual storytelling. His approach combines technical precision with artistic intuition, ensuring that every frame serves a purpose. Passionate about collaboration, he works closely with directors and creatives to develop a cohesive visual language tailored to each project.

JC Calubayan - Gaffer

JC Calubayan was born and raised in the Twin Cities, Minnesota. With a strong passion for personal narratives grounded in people and the world around them, and a keen eye for composition, mood, and fine details, he strives to craft stories that are engaging on an emotional & visual level. JC currently resides in Brooklyn, New York, where he works primarily as a set lighting technician, and continues to nurture his passion for cinematography and film photography.

Wesley Grant - Sound Recordist

Wesley Grant is a seasoned sound mixer and boom operator based in Brooklyn, New York, with roots in San Francisco, California. A graduate of the Academy of Art University, Wesley has built a diverse portfolio in the sound department across various media formats. His notable work includes contributions to television series such as “ZIWE” (2021) and “Flatbush Misdemeanors” (2021), as well as the feature film “Asphalt City” (2023). Wesley’s versatility is further demonstrated through his involvement in projects like “Quest For Craft,” a collaboration with Patti Smith and Questlove, and the political drama “The Independent,” now streaming on Peacock.

Angel Yu - Hair and Make Up

Angel Yu is a Taiwanese-American makeup artist and actress based in New York City. She has contributed her makeup artistry skills to various film projects, including “Salem Occultist” (2016), “Not Promised Tomorrow” (2023), and “Life Is Too Short” (2015). Angel is known for her versatility and creativity, consistently delivering exceptional work that enhances the visual storytelling of each project. Her dedication to her craft and ability to adapt to diverse artistic visions have made her a sought-after professional in the industry. Angel continues to explore new opportunities in both makeup artistry and acting, aiming to expand her creative horizons and contribute to compelling narratives.