The contest has a BC and diversity angle: participating team members must be BC residents, at least two key creative team members must be visible minorities, and at least one lead actor or subject in the final submitted film must be of Asian or mixed Asian  heritage.

Teams first are given a theme to work with and then pitch their idea to a panel of judges which evaluates the idea and offers feedback on the feasibility and quality of the project. Part of the team’s grade is based on their pitch.

The film-makers have 10 days to film an 8 minute short. About 3 weeks from the sign-up cut-off, there is a screening and party where everyone gathers to network and socialize.

I remember August 2011 when Brian Cheung and Carlos McCallister pitched their hero story. It felt like a comic book and sounded utterly ridiculous. They brought in a costume made from cardboard and said the man was powered by cocaine. I thought for sure it would be a bomb. I was wrong.

Screening day arrives. We descend upon International Village and I am handed my humble pie. What they turned out was a thoroughly entertaining action comedy that remains one of my favourite short films ever. Illustrator and designer Vicky Liu puts on her acting hat and is excellent as the lead. James Crawford is up to the task and shines in his role as Mr. Smith.

Sure it’s over the top. That’s the fun. And yes that’s dubbing. It’s funny and it works.

Available in 1080HD

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