Sony acquires Randall Park’s directorial debut film ‘Shortcomings’

Sony Pictures Classics has acquired the rights to Randall Park’s directorial debut film Shortcomings, Deadline reports.

The film is based on Adrian Tomine’s graphic novel of the same name and stars Justin H. Min, Sherry Cola and Ally Maki.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the film follows Ben (Min) a struggling filmmaker living in Berkeley, California, and his girlfriend. Miko (Maki), who works for a local Asian American film festival. The film specifically explores the challenges Asian Americans face in the dating scene.

“Randall Park’s Shortcomings is as relevant today as when Adrian Tomine’s book was first published almost 20 years ago,” Sony Pictures Classics said in a statement to Deadline. Its modern ideas about racial and sexual politics, its caustic humor, and authentic voice will resonate with today’s moviegoing audience. It will be our privilege to work with Randall and our friends at Topic Studios, Tango, Imminent Collision, Picture Films, and Roadside to bring this story to audiences everywhere.” 

The film was first shown during the Dramatic Competition section at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival. Park said he is excited to bring the film to the big screen.

‘“The thought of Shortcomings playing on a big screen and opening with that iconic Sony Pictures Classics logo thrills me to no end,” Park said in a statement to Deadline. “To be a part of their rich legacy of independent filmmaking is a real honor. Thank you to Michael and Tom for embracing our story about flawed, complex human beings, who happen to be Asian American, just trying their best. Please do not change your logo anytime soon.”