Experiencing Interruptions?

Dregs

In the tense aftermath of a controversial police incident, NYPD Sergeant Leung grapples with the weight of his actions as he faces a press conference. Supported by Captain Ross and Deputy Inspector Martin, Leung's inner turmoil intensifies when a tenacious reporter, Keith Madden, probes him about the incident. As the press room fills with questions, Leung struggles to maintain composure, haunted by memories of the altercation. Behind closed doors, Martin's manipulation pushes Leung to the brink, and racism rears its ugly head. Returning to the press room, Leung is cornered by a pivotal question about potential criminal charges, leading him to a moment of internal reckoning where his conscience clashes with his tribal loyalty. The room holds its breath as Leung steps up to the microphone. He breathes in...

  • Jackie Shijie Xing
    Director
  • Jamal Abdinasir Mohamed
    Writer
  • Jackie Shijie Xing
    Writer
  • Chris Zilong Wang
    Producer
  • Jessica Yiwen Qian
    Producer
  • Michael C. Liu
    Key Cast
    "Leung"
  • John Zeng
    Cinematographer
  • Ynes Lopez
    Production Designer
  • Hauton Xu
    Editor
  • Wenrui Zhao
    Sound Designer
  • Ziwen Zhang
    Original Score
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Runtime:
    12 minutes 34 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    August 31, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    20,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital, ARRI RAW
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.39:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - New York University Tisch School of the Arts
Director Biography - Jackie Shijie Xing

Jackie Shijie Xing, a writer-director based in New York, brings a unique cultural tapestry to his filmmaking. Hailing from Beijing and nurtured across two distinct worlds, he seamlessly weaves his diverse experiences into captivating narratives that offer multifaceted viewpoints. A fresh alumnus of NYU Film and TV, Jackie adeptly melds artistic ingenuity with compelling and resonant commercial storytelling. His portfolio boasts premieres at esteemed global film festivals, including the Oscar-qualifying Cinequest FF, Athens IFVF, Flickers' RIFF, and Woodstock FF.

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Director Statement

As a Chinese living in the U.S., the tale of a conflicted Asian police officer hits close to home. The story of Sergeant Phillip Wong's guilt, declared in bold letters, "N.Y.P.D. Sergeant Pleads Guilty to Assault Charges in Violent Arrests," took me back to the troubling case of Officer Peter Liang, charged in the tragic death of Akai Gurley. Despite his inexcusable actions, Wong's apathetic face during the trial has been etched in my memory.

In discussions with Han, my story partner, the word "numb" encapsulated the officers' emotional turmoil. This laid the foundation for "Dregs," a project unraveling the internal conflict of Sergeant Leung, a minority officer. While supporting movements like 'Defund the Police,' I also aimed to offer a nuanced look at the complex challenges faced by minorities in law enforcement.

Jamal, the best screenwriter I know and a good friend, joined us, leading to ten drafts and three rewrites, shaping the narrative you see today. Inspired by true events involving officers Wong, Liang, and Detective Serpico, our film navigates the NYPD's careful manipulation of public opinion.

In the first draft, after Leung's drunk all his coffee, fighting the guilt deep inside him, he looks down at the cup and sees all the coffee dregs – feeling like the bottom scum of the police force. That was how we named the film "Dregs."

In my vision, "Dregs" goes beyond showcasing the unique challenges faced by Asians in the police force; it underscores the urgent need for police reform, prioritizing de-escalation training and psychological evaluations over excessive force. Sergeant Leung, despite his Asian roots, grapples with the clash between his badge and personal identity, suffering the byproduct of being a minority officer in contemporary law enforcement.

Casting played a pivotal role. Embracing diverse interpretations enriched characters, especially thanks to Michael, who brought Leung to life brilliantly.

Collaborating with cinematographer John, we opted for a grainy anamorphic film style, akin to "Uncut Gems," mirroring Leung's inner turmoil in every frame.

Kudos to Ynes, our production designer, and Elsa for adding layers of texture, seamlessly blending cinematic appeal with realism.

Ryan's meticulous sound design, inspired by the realism of "Heat," immersed viewers in Leung's world, tinged with discomfort.

Producers Chris and Jessica ensured a seamless production, adhering to our tight schedule without compromising quality.

Thank you for investing your time in "Dregs." I hope it resonates with you.