Taiko Studios’ short film One Small Step is up for an Academy Award in the best animated short category tonight.
Produced by founder of Taiko Studios, Shaofu Zhang, the short film is about a Chinese American girl named Luna, who dreams of becoming an astronaut, as she lives with her father named Chu.
In addition to giving representation to the Chinese American community, the film also gives a positive message to women that want to pursue STEM fields.
“The fact that you’re showing it’s possible, I think, means a whole lot” Zhang said to WUWM in Wisconsin,where the film is being featured at the upcoming Beloit Film Festival
Zhang added that he considers the film to be a dedication to his and the fellow filmmakers’ families.
“I think at the core of this story a lot of it is the support of our families, and for all three of us, our parents — especially our mothers — it was a love letter to them,” Zhang said.
Cowriters of the film, Bobby Pontillas and Andrew Chesworth, are also former Disney animators that founded Taiko Studio with Zhang.
“To be nominated for the Oscars is among the deepest honors as a filmmaker, said Zhang to WWAY. “You see it in the news. People talk about it at work. You maybe watch the ceremony on TV, but you never think you will participate in this kind of thing. In all honesty, there was an immense feeling of validation as well. I left a comfortable job at Disney to found a studio and convinced a bunch of passionate and talented folks to come together to make a film aptly called One Small Step. Now having this greatest of honors conferred to us, recognized by our heroes and peers, all I can think of is the road it took to get to this point.”
Tickets to see One Small Step at the Beloit Film Festival on March 2 can be purchased here.
AsAmNews has Asian America in its heart. We’re an all-volunteer effort of dedicated staff and interns. Check out our Twitter feed and Facebook page for more content. Please consider interning, joining our staff or submitting a story.
