Directors

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. 

Inside the Oscar-Nominated “I Am Ready, Warden” with Smriti Mundhra and Maya Gnyp

The Academy Award-nominated short documentary “I Am Ready, Warden” offers an intimate look at justice, redemption, and forgiveness in the final days of a man on death row. Awards Focus sat down with Smriti Mundhra and Maya Gnyp to discuss the film’s journey, the challenge of exploring such a complex subject, and the artistic choices that shaped its emotional tone.

Blending Culture And Heart: Pat Boonnitipat’s ‘How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies’ Explores Love And Legacy

In his feature directorial debut, Pat Boonnitipat introduces himself as a filmmaker with a keen eye for emotional depth in How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies. In a conversation with Awards Focus, Pat Boonnitipat delves into the origins of the film, the artistic challenges of adapting such a personal story, and his perspective on the transition from television to feature filmmaking.

A Short Film With A Big Splash: Rashida Jones Directs “A Swim Lesson”

In just 21 captivating minutes, A Swim Lesson, the latest project from Grammy winner and Emmy nominee Rashida Jones, proves that big things can come in small packages. In an interview with Awards Focus, Rashida shares insights about her personal connection to Bill Marsh's legacy, the challenges of directing a short documentary, and the collaborative process that shaped the film’s final cut.