Shorts Program: Immigrant Stories – Daly City, Di Sarno-The Story of Emilio’s Ballato, Kowloon!, Lunchbox, Noi

Daly City

An Indonesian boy and his mother attend a church potluck and embellish the details around their dish to fit into the community.
USA, 2024, 16 minutes
Director: Nick Hartanto

Di Sarno- The Story of Emilio’s Ballato

A hidden gem of a restaurant in New York where celebrities hang out and secret dishes are served, Ballato is filled with passion, tradition, and family influence.
USA, 2023, 10 minutes
Director: Johannes Kroemer

Kowloon!

Kowloon! explores the Wong family’s American Dream through their iconic Chinese restaurant, reflecting on legacy as third-generation owner Bobby Wong nears retirement.
USA, 2024, 16 minutes

Lunchbox

A Taiwanese American woman wrestles with regret as she recreates childhood lunches, realizing the distance she created with her immigrant mother.
USA, 2022, 16 minutes
Director: Anne Hu

Noi

A young boy’s magical journey intertwines food, culture, and identity, highlighting the vital role of culinary traditions in preserving heritage.
Canada, 2024, 9 minutes
Director: Luigi Capasso