Isaiah's Live Project

Grassroots

Grassroots is a heartwarming short film that explores self-doubt, a sense of belonging, and believing in yourself when no one else will. The concept is loosely based on writer/director Aaron Ly’s own experience growing up Asian in New Zealand, with dreams of one day becoming an All Black: “It’s the dream for many Kiwi boys, but it’s not what good Asian boys do. Even though I didn’t see myself as any different to my peers, I was made to feel different when it came to physical sports like rugby.” In Grassroots we meet Calvin, a 10-year-old Chinese boy, whose biggest aspiration is to play rugby. He wants his mum to support this dream, but he feels small under the weight of her expectations and inevitable rejection. Meanwhile, his mum sees her sweet boy turning toward a path she doesn’t understand and must learn that her own best intentions may be their biggest hurdle. This relationship forms the heart of the film – as anyone who’s felt the tug of burgeoning independence drawing them against their family expectations can understand.

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