Expectation

Our film explores the life of Alice, once full of joy but pushed to the edge by her father's relentless demand for academic perfection. As the pressure becomes unbearable, Alice writes a final letter to her father before contemplating suicide, and we witness the profound regret that engulfs him as he grapples with the devastating consequences of his unrelenting pursuit of perfection. This emotional journey underscores the importance of open communication, empathy, and understanding within families, highlighting the severe toll that unattainable expectations can take on mental health. Through this powerful storytelling, we aim to spark vital conversations about depression, familial pressures, and the urgent need to prioritize mental well-being, serving as a poignant reminder of the importance of compassion and support for ourselves and our loved ones

  • Edmundo Lee Yan Hang
    Director
  • Edmundo Lee Yan Hang
    Writer
  • Edmundo Lee Yan Hang
    Producer
  • Tan Su Ying
    Key Cast
    "Alice"
  • Annick
    Key Cast
    "Father"
  • Wong Yan Kit
    Assistant Director
  • Thomas Chang Wai Keat
    Production Assistant
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Runtime:
    3 minutes 20 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    February 25, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    250 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Malaysia
  • Country of Filming:
    Malaysia
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2:35:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Sunway University
Director Biography - Edmundo Lee Yan Hang

Edmundo Lee Yan Hang, a Chinese Malaysian, was born on 13 October 2002 and reared in Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia. As a child, he had a special connection to Sabah because he is half Sabahan and half Perakian. Each year, he traveled to Sabah, where his father's relatives reside, to gain a deeper understanding of his cultural roots.

Edmundo received his SPM certificate from SMK Bandar Baru Sungai Long, where he excelled academically and graduated with honors. Currently, he is pursuing a degree in Digital Film Production at Sunway University. In addition to his academic pursuits, he developed a passion for numerous activities. One of which is badminton, in which he demonstrates his skills and appreciates the competitive nature of the sport. In addition, he engages in creative activities such as video editing and the creation of short videos, which enable him to express his artistic side.

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Director Statement

Our film delves into the life of Alice, a once-happy individual whose struggle with her father's relentless demands for academic perfection leads her to a desperate decision. We aim to portray the emotional toll of these expectations and the impact on Alice's mental health.

The story unfolds with Alice writing a final letter to her father before contemplating suicide. We approach this topic with sensitivity, focusing on the emotional turmoil she experiences rather than graphic details. We then explore the profound regret that engulfs her father as he realizes the consequences of his relentless pursuit of perfection.

Ultimately, our film serves as a poignant exploration of depression's impact on individuals and their families. We hope it sparks conversations about mental health, the need for open communication, and the importance of supportive relationships. Our goal is to inspire empathy, compassion, and a deeper understanding of the complexities of mental well-being.