Film Producer Yoko Chen Unveils Acclaimed Short Film, “Red Pocket,” Exploring Chinese Family Dynamics

Yoko (Anyangzi) Chen, a graduate of the prestigious American Film Institute as a producing fellow, is making waves in the film industry with her insightful and compelling short films.

Currently working as an in-house producer for the mini-series platform Good Short, Yoko’s work often delves into the complex social issues and interpersonal dynamics that define the experiences of young adults today. Her unique ability to capture the psychological struggles of contemporary adults has garnered her critical acclaim and established her as a rising force in independent cinema.

Her latest project, “Red Pocket,” promises to be another significant contribution to the cinematic landscape. Recently featured as part of the Deutsche Bank Frieze Los Angeles Film Award, in partnership with Ghetto Film School, “Red Pocket” offers a unique and often humorous lens through which to examine traditional Chinese family dynamics, specifically the cultural significance of money and the generational clash between tradition and modern values.

Unpacking The Short Film, Red Pocket: Theme, Plot, and Cultural Commentary

“Red Pocket” unfolds within the setting of a Chinese restaurant, a familiar and symbolic space for many families. The film centers on a second-generation Chinese American young woman who struggles to communicate her desire to leave her stable tech job to her family. The core conflict arises from the family’s, particularly her mother’s, difficulty in understanding why she would abandon financial security. The dinner table, typically a place for connection, becomes a battleground where conversations revolve solely around money.

The narrative takes a fantastical turn when a traditional red pocket, typically a gift containing cash given from elders to younger family members, begins to move around the table, inexplicably vomiting out money. This absurd and comedic element triggers a frenzy as the family members descend into a chaotic scramble to seize the magical, money-puking red pocket.

Chen explains the film’s central theme: “Red Pocket is meant to discover the traditional Chinese family dynamics.” She emphasizes that the film explores a side of Chinese culture that is rarely discussed openly. The script, penned by Austin Chen, a fellow AFI alumnus and the film’s director, immediately resonated with Yoko due to its insightful and magical comedic exploration of this cultural facet.

Bringing “Red Pocket” to Life: Inspiration and Production Challenges

Yoko was drawn to the project because of Austin Chen’s vision. “[He] reached out to him and pitched me this idea. He is a Chinese American who cares a lot and wants to explore Chinese culture. I immediately was intrigued because this side of Chinese culture is rarely talked about and it’s so real. In this 5 page script, it is so brilliant that we are able to explore this side of Chinese culture in a magical and comedic way. I love the concept and love to help him make this story come alive.”

The film was shot at Pepper Tavern in San Gabriel, California. Securing the location was a collaborative effort, as Yoko’s co-producer, Suri Jiang, had a connection to the restaurant owner. Despite the connection, it still required convincing the owners to allow filming. The restaurant’s modern aesthetic, infused with Chinese spirit, perfectly aligned with the film’s visual requirements. However, filming in an actively operating restaurant presented significant challenges, particularly given the film’s low budget.

Yoko explains, “The biggest challenge of filming in an actively operating restaurant, or any business, is if you are working with a low budget, the only way to film is do it over their off-hours. This restaurant opens at 5pm and closes at 1am. So we had to choose a very rough calltime of 3am, and shoot until 3pm the next day. We did two overnight shoots over a weekend.”

Deutsche Bank Frieze Los Angeles Film Award: A Platform for Emerging Filmmakers

Yoko’s journey to becoming a successful film producer is a story of ambition and resilience. Arriving in the United States from China at the age of 18, she independently navigated a new culture, mastered both Mandarin and English, and built a thriving career from the ground up.

Over the past seven years, she has produced a diverse range of short film projects across various genres. Notable works include “ONCE WE WERE,” recognized as a Finalist for the New York International Film Award, and “ESCARGOT,” which won Best Student Film at the same festival. These experiences have honed her skills, allowing her to focus on the intricate details of production while maintaining a compassionate and nuanced film language. Her short film, “THE ECLIPSE,” which she wrote, directed, and produced, earned her nominations for Best Producer and Best Director at the Chain NYC Film Festival, further solidifying her reputation as a versatile and talented filmmaker.

“Red Pocket” gained further recognition through its inclusion in the 6th edition of the Deutsche Bank Frieze Los Angeles Film Award fellowship, sponsored by Deutsche Bank, Frieze, Ghetto Film School ROSTER, and FIFTH SEASON. This program provides mentorship, guidance in story development, and funding for short films. The opportunity to screen “Red Pocket” at Frieze, a premier international contemporary art fair, offered invaluable exposure and highlighted the film’s artistic merit.

Human Connection vs. Monetary Value: A Cultural Reflection

“Red Pocket” uses its fantastical premise to explore the complex relationship between money and human connection within Chinese culture. Yoko elaborates on this theme: “Red pocket is a tradition in China which during Chinese New Year, the elders will give young family members a red pocket with cash inside to wish them a good new year,” said Chen. “It is so interesting how the foundation of Chinese culture is money. This is really different from US culture. Even when you go to your friend’s wedding, you will bring a red pocket to wish them the best. Money almost equals love and good wishes. There is nothing wrong with it, until it gets a bit toxic and extreme in some of the family dynamics, which is the family that we are exploring in this film.”

The film contrasts this traditional value with the aspirations of the younger generation, who seek happiness and purpose beyond financial success. The protagonist’s desire for a fulfilling career, rather than a simply lucrative one, highlights the tension between traditional expectations and contemporary values. The emergence of the magic red pocket serves as a catalyst, exposing the family’s prioritization of wealth over genuine connection and prompting a reflection on the true meaning of family and happiness.

Low Budget, High Impact: The Power of Collaboration and Passion

Yoko emphasizes the challenges of producing a film on a limited budget. “IT IS HARD. It is a lot of pulling favors and being strategic. This film crew and cast are almost all volunteers. They are all friends of Austin, me and Suri, my co-producer. I am very grateful for all the crew and cast that believes in this film, believes in us.”

The success of “Red Pocket” is a testament to the power of collaboration, shared passion, and the belief in a compelling story. “I think this is the moment when I realize the reason why I want to be in this industry, and the people who I connect with, are all here because of the love and passion toward this form of storytelling and art. We want to work and help a great concept and story come alive, we want to be there to connect with the filmmakers that share the same sense of passion and dream. It is such a beautiful thing. So this film can be achieved solely because of those beautiful people who believe, trust and want to support.”

Yoko Chen’s work on “Red Pocket” exemplifies her commitment to exploring culturally relevant themes with a unique blend of humor and insight. Through strategic filmmaking and passionate collaboration, she is carving a path for herself as a significant voice in the world of independent film, bringing diverse stories to the forefront and enriching the cultural landscape.

Photo credits: Red Pocket – Courtesy to Red Pocket Team, Director Austin Chen, Cinematographer Sam David Zhang and Production Designer Arushi Mathur