Love, Actualized

How do you say “I love you” without actually saying it? “Love, Actualized” explores the many ways the Vietnamese diaspora – whether in front or behind the camera – express their love to one another, their home countries, or their own identities.

Accidents and Emergencies and Spit of You explore family tensions and the struggle to connect during times of family strife and loss, whether those divisions separate children and parents, siblings, or in-laws. From the Dreh’s Um film workshop, both Home is Where The Star Fruits Taste Sour and Motherland examine the search for identity and belonging across different generations and cultures – between Germany and Vietnam, grandparents and grandchild. Mike and Infinity! highlight the racial tensions between staying true to oneself and adapting to external pressures. Even love may not overcome all amid a new social environment or the specter of political challenges

Each film in “Love, Actualized” provides a unique lens on how we express and confront our deepest connections and personal choices. Love makes the situations found in these films all the more bearable.

By Alena Nguyen

An event to extend our gratitude to the community hosting the festival, residents of Santa Ana will be able to see the curated short film sets “But Not for Me” and “Love, Actualized” at no cost. This event will take place on Friday, October 11 at 4 pm. Valid proof of residency required.