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Shirley Chen and Amy Wang Deliver SXSW Winner with Satirical, Genre-Bending Thriller Film ‘Slanted’

Debuting at SXSW, Amy Wang’s “Slanted” delivers a sharp and fearless take on identity, assimilation, and self-worth, wrapped in dark humor and body horror. The film, which won Best Narrative Feature, cements Wang as a filmmaker to watch, tackling heavy themes with a biting satirical edge. Amy Wang spoke to Awards Focus about the film’s origins, balancing satire with social commentary, and the overwhelming response at SXSW.

SXSW Breakout: How Jing Ai Ng’s ‘Forge’ Blends Crime, Art, and Family

Debuting at SXSW, Jing Ai Ng’s "Forge" is a visually striking crime thriller that signals the arrival of a bold new voice in filmmaking. In an interview with Awards Focus, Ng discusses her inspirations for the story behind Forge, working with the talented cast and the reaction to the film that has meant the most.

Laura Karpman Discusses Scoring ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ and Crafting a New Musical Identity for Sam Wilson

Emmy and Grammy-winning composer Laura Karpman has been a transformative force in the world of film and television scoring. In an insightful conversation with Awards Focus, Laura Karpman delved into the creative process behind scoring “Brave New World,” her innovative fusion of symphonic and electronic elements to craft its unique soundscape, and her overall love of the Marvel universe she’s playing a large role in orchestrating.

‘Paddle Out’: Sebi Lee Honors Melissa Pappageorgas’ Unstoppable Spirit in Surf and Film

"Paddle Out" is more than just a film—it’s a tribute to the power of the human spirit, the bonds of friendship, and the way communities can lift each other up. Sebi Lee sat down with Awards Focus for an intimate and exclusive interview, sharing the challenges of making the film, the impact of Melissa’s story, and how a promise to a friend turned into something much bigger than she ever imagined.

Réi on ‘Shutter Bird,’ Personal Loss, and Finding Catharsis Through Film

The Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) has long been a showcase for emerging filmmakers, and this year, Justin Réi Ching, who more commonly goes by just “Réi” brought his deeply personal short film, "Shutter Bird," to the festival’s lineup. Réi spoke about the cathartic process of filmmaking, his approach to visual storytelling, and working with actors like Dallas Liu and Isabella Ferreira.

Gillian McKercher’s “Lucky Star” Brings an Authentic Asian-Canadian Story to SBIFF

The 2025 Santa Barbara International Film Festival has once again proven to be a hub for groundbreaking cinema, and among this year’s standout selections is “Lucky Star”, a gripping drama that offers a fresh perspective on the Asian-Canadian experience. Following their successful premiere screening, Writer and Director Gillian McKercher and actors Olivia Cheng and Conni Miu sat down with Awards Focus for an exclusive interview. McKercher, Cheng, and Miu spoke candidly about the inspirations behind the film, their journeys navigating the industry as Asian artists, and the exciting projects on their horizons.