LOGLINE

After a bizarre encounter, a Taiwanese-American actress becomes the target of a terrifying entity and must confront the creature to get to her audition.

Synopsis

We follow DANA, an aspiring but guarded actress navigating the complexities of a community where she's a rare presence. As she prepares for a crucial audition, a jarring encounter with a reckless child and his indifferent mother sets off a chain of unsettling events. Through the encounter, the child breathes life into the MONOLITH- a monster that is a mishmash of different Asian cultures reduced to a grotesque caricature. Caught in a dance with her own uncertainties, Dana must navigate the darkest corners of her soul if she hopes to confront the malevolent entity determined to unravel her sanity and everything she treasures.

DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT

In "YAOGUAI," we dive into a world where the haunting echoes of playground chants reveal deeper, darker truths. The term itself, meaning “Strange Creatures" in Mandarin, is a metaphor for the ways Asian Americans are perceived — as perpetual foreigners. with this film, i invite audiences to confront the pervasive stereotypes that homogenize and diminish the diverse Asian diaspora. It’s a journey into the shadows of identity, where the allure of belonging is tainted by the persistent gaze of a society that insists on categorizing us as a monolith. As a filmmaker, I am compelled by stories that unsettle and provoke introspection. "YAOGUAI" challenges us to question the narratives that shape our understanding of self and others, urging us to embrace complexity and diversity.

-Mimi Lee, YAOGUAI Director

YAOGUAI 妖怪 will be shot with a state-of-the-art digital ARRI Alexa camera to harbor a cinematic film look. The visual style of this film is one that will reflect the personal, internal experiences of its central character, DANA. The framing will be bold and unconventional, and the cinematography will feature uncanny and looming visuals with nuanced details and layered complexity. The genre of the film will be a Social Horror/Thriller that is grounded with raw and gritty stylistic elements.

Thank You Pledgers !

HOW YOUR PLEDGE HELPS

The funds we're seeking will go towards PRODUCTION, which takes place in September 2024. This includes EQUIPMENT RENTALS (camera, lights, transport trucks) and securing the right LOCATIONS – places that aren't just sets but living, breathing characters in our story. We want to immerse our audience in the authenticity of these spaces.

Additionally, we'll be allocating funds towards assembling a talented CAST and CREW who share our vision and commitment to storytelling. From actors who bring our characters to life with depth and nuance to technicians who ensure every frame is a work of art, we need a team that's passionate and dedicated.

But it doesn't stop there. We also recognize the importance of POST-PRODUCTION in shaping the final narrative. That means investing in EDITING, SOUND DESIGN, and SPECIAL FX to elevate the storytelling and deliver an unforgettable cinematic experience.