Private Project

A Better Place

A Better Place is a heartfelt drama about Joe, a high school student balancing the pressures of family expectations, mental health struggles, and his passion for art. With his mother pushing him toward a traditional path and Joe secretly nurturing his creative ambitions, the story explores his journey of self-discovery, resilience, and the courage it takes to forge his own path. As he faces challenges at home, in school, and within himself, Joe must find a way to pursue what truly makes him happy.

  • Sunny Sun
    Director
  • Sunny Sun
    Writer
  • Sunny Sunny
    Producer
  • Erena Houshyar
    Producer
  • Jelian Quincina
    Producer
  • Anthony Curtis
    Key Cast
  • Lilia Miki
    Key Cast
  • Kay Yook
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    30 minutes 34 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    October 1, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    5,000 CAD
  • Country of Origin:
    Canada
  • Country of Filming:
    Canada
  • Language:
    English
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.39:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Sunny Sun

Sunny Sun is a passionate visual storyteller dedicated to making a difference through meaningful filmmaking. With experience spanning directing, cinematography, and post-production, Sunny has brought numerous independent projects to life, including A Better Place, Interview with Death, and Jumpstart. Sunny’s commitment to the craft started at a young age, and he continue to actively support the indie film community.

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Director Statement

As a filmmaker, my approach is deeply informed by post-colonial studies, which have shaped my understanding of history beyond dominant narratives, focusing instead on the voices and experiences of the marginalized. My passion for history thrives in an interdisciplinary space, where I merge my love for the humanities with the cinematic arts. Films like Parasite inspire me for their ability to tackle societal issues through compelling storytelling, making complex ideas accessible to all. I aim to bring this critical perspective into my own work, using satire to challenge conventional ways of thinking and offer fresh insights into history and culture.