Lǎo Lao Lǎo Le

LǍO LAO LǍO LE/姥姥老了 is a short film written and directed by Julie Zhu, produced by Puteri Raja Ariff, and executive produced by Shuchi Kothari. The film has been several years in development and follows a young boy left home alone with his Lǎo Lao who is becoming increasingly unwell with Alzheimer's.

BACKGROUND

The inspiration for this short came from a moment Julie witnessed between her younger brother and maternal grandmother several years ago. Something struck a chord about the way the young take care of the old and the old take care of the young, and where these lines are blurred or complicated. Julie's grandmother passed away from Alzheimer's in 2018.

WHY THIS FILM MATTERS

This story touches on themes of intergenerational disconnection, loneliness, filial obligation, communication, guilt, and growth.

As immigrants and kids of the diaspora, we understand at a deep and personal level what it means to live with a severed connection to home, to whakapapa, and to family. For Julie, this film reflects a personal and ongoing journey to come to terms with and accept familial responsibility.

The film explores the confusion someone can feel when suddenly they shoulder the responsibility to take care of a parent or grandparent or caregiver who had always taken care of them, when that relationship and roles are flipped, finding ways to grieve and adjust. It also looks at how these struggles are exacerbated with the chasms of migration and cultural disconnection.

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT

We have been through several rounds of development and now need some pūtea to help see this project through. We know our target is ambitious, however short films cost a lot to put together.

The bulk of the funds raised through this Boosted campaign are going towards paying our crew and collaborators as we strongly believe that creatives should be paid for their time and talent.

This film marks a big milestone for both Julie and Puteri as filmmakers and contributes to our growth and ongoing development. We want to keep fostering and strengthening our practice as creatives and lead this project with a kaupapa-driven vision both in front of and behind the screen. If you cannot manage a donation, we would love if you shared this campaign with your friends and whānau.

We are grateful for any support along the way. E mihi ana ki a koutou katoa.

Follow us on Instagram to keep up with our journey to make this film.