Migration to Mars
“Every year, millions of Earthling migrants make the Trek from the nearly uninhabitable planet earth to the Terraformed Paradise of Mars. But because of limited resources, there’s a cap on number of people allowed on the surface Utopia. Instead, many are stuck in limbo, a real life purgatory, waiting in orbit. Some have made a life on the orbiting Ellis Island, with hopes of some day going down to the surface.”
Documentary from the Future
“Ancient China of Mars” is a fictional story about a Chinese teenage girl who struggles to come of age on an alienating space station orbiting Mars. Her family waits in limbo as they hope to immigrate to the surface of Mars. They remain in orbit above the red planet for years with their only means of survival being the family restaurant, “Ancient China”.
She then one day befriends a school misfit that expands her world beyond the confines of the floating scrapheap they inhabit.
An Immigrants Journey
A class divide becomes apparent as this documentary from the future reveals the literal stratification of the haves and have nots. Although on the surface this appears to be science fiction story, the story itself gives perspective to the struggles an immigrant family faces when displaced from their origins to a new place.
The intergenerational struggles between parents and child are on full display as the family tries to navigate a complex society where they try to fit in while simultaneously shunned by the racism that continues to persist.
The Great American Dream, on Mars.
Mission
Creating Art that speaks unflinchingly to the human experience through humor and compelling narrative.
Artist Statement
I, Drew Leung, am a Los Angeles based award winning filmmaker and artist. Previously, my animated documentary, “The Chemical Factory”, which was also sponsored by The Gotham (formerly IFP), won best animated documentary at Doc LA 2021 and the Socially Relevant Film Festival of NY. It is also the official selection for the Sebastopol Documentary Film Festival, and the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival.
For my sophomore effort, I am continuing the theme of giving grace and perspective to first generation people from immigrant families. Additionally to this project being a live action short film, it will be utilizing Unreal Virtual Production to produce feature level production quality. I will be using my expertise as a concept artist in the film industry, including my work I’ve done for the current Star Wars show, VFX background, and technical expertise to tell a truly emotional human story.
It is with this project I hope to continue to shine a light on the struggles of growing up and fitting in America. It is with this film, I hope to reclaim what it means to be part of society that views you differently from the rest.