SHORTFILM - Biographical "Godgrandpa"

The GodGrandpa is a drama inspired by the life of a real grandfather in 1980s Chinatown, Thailand, translated through the visual and emotional language of Hong Kong cinema of the same era. During that time, survival was not about chasing dreams, but about enduring hardship. With limited choices, my grandfather entered the underground casino world simply to keep his family alive. That lived experience became the foundation of this film.

This story also explores the Chinese mindset of being “The Man” during that era. Men were expected to carry everything alone—money, pride, responsibility, and danger—without complaint. Providing was love. Silence was strength. Mun, the lead character, represents a generation shaped by these expectations, where protecting the family meant sacrificing oneself, even at the cost of health, dignity, and relationships.

Visually, the film honors the look, texture, and rhythm of 1980s Hong Kong cinema. It is cinematic yet raw, blending the grit of underground life with intimate, restrained emotion. Through this style, I want the audience to feel the weight of that time and the quiet strength of a generation that carried everything in silence.

This film tells the truth of a universal experience. The GodGrandpa is our way of honoring these family members—in this case, a man who fought his entire life so that his family could survive.

All cast and crew on this project are volunteers, with the entire team made up of film production students working under the university’s supervision and mentorship for this project.

All donations will go toward catering, art, location rentals, and festival submissions. Because the film involves complex locations, one of which is a restaurant—and a large cast and background performers who require meals, we are currently short on budget to cover these essential costs.

FEEL FREE TO REACH OUT!

thegodgrandpafilm@gmail.com

Instagram: @thegodgrandpa