Experiencing Interruptions?

Found Family

Christian Mendoza, originally from the Philippines and raised in Australia, is a proud gay man actively engaged in Perth's LGBTQ+ community. While his biological family faces challenges in fully understanding him, Christian has found supportive and affirming 'families' within the Perth community, where he thrives and feels embraced.

  • Ying Chu
    Director
  • Ying Chu
    Writer
  • Gabrielle O’Keeffe
    Writer
  • Brendan Docherty
    Producer
  • Christian Kurt Mendoza
    Key Cast
  • Matthew Kalmund
    Key Cast
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    尋找家人
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Runtime:
    8 minutes 15 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    December 25, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    1,000 AUD
  • Country of Origin:
    Australia
  • Country of Filming:
    Australia
  • Language:
    English
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - WA Screen Academy
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
  • Bridge Fest

    Canada
    Award Winner
  • Melbourne Documentary Film Festival
    Melbourne
    Australia
    Selected
  • LGBT+ Film Festival Poland

    Poland
    Selected
  • Perth Queer Film Festival
    Perth
    Australia
    Selected
  • Bangkok Movie Awards

    Thailand
    Award Winner
Director Biography - Ying Chu

Ying is originally from Taichung, Taiwan. She later pursued English studies at South Metropolitan TAFE and film production at Edith Cowan University, specialising in producing and directing. In 2022, Ying’s documentaries Sisters – We Are Family and Chinese Pioneers received multiple international awards. In 2023, her talents were widely recognised in the industry, earning her multiple accolades, including the Best Student Director (Female) - Silver Award at the Independent Shorts Awards, Best Female Director for a Short Film at the Five Continents International Film Festival (FICOCC), and Best First Time Director (Female) at the Airflix Film Festival.
She aims to create works that blend Eastern and Western cultures, celebrating their diversity and bringing them to the global stage.

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Director Statement

"Found Family" is a short documentary about the LGBTQ+ community in Western Australia. As a Chinese immigrant in Australia, I share a similar experience with Christian, the film’s subject, in exploring questions around identity, friendship, and belonging within the community. These questions are deeply personal and significant to us, and that’s why I wanted to make this film.

During the production process, I felt the inclusivity of the Perth community. Western Australia is home to many diverse groups, whether Chinese, LGBTQ+, or otherwise—here, we can all find a sense of 'family.' I hope this film resonates with audiences and offers a sense of recognition and belonging to others as well.