Private Project

Outside The Box

Xing, a young artist struggles to balance his passion for art with the expectations imposed on him by his single mother. Personal aspirations and family are put into question when despite her disapproval, Xing participates in an art contest in an attempt to change his mother’s mind.

  • Ricky Gupta
    Director, Writer, Producer
  • Jordan Low
    Director, Writer, Producer
  • Bo Hong Fu
    Key Cast
    "Xing"
  • Grace Gao
    Key Cast
    "Xing's Mom "
  • Miguel Yabut
    Key Cast
    "Tyler"
  • Cheryl Rolin-Gilman
    Key Cast
    "Ms. Cormack"
  • LJ Kemsy Pacheco
    Assistant Camera
  • Ayse Rana Sermet
    Assistant Production
  • Aysha Henry
    Gaffer
  • John Bao
    Script supervisor / Set Assistant 1
  • Anton Canaon
    Photographer / Set Assistant 2
  • Julia Van Damme
    Sound
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Drama, Coming of Age, Family
  • Runtime:
    25 minutes 10 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    December 21, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    2,400 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Canada
  • Country of Filming:
    Canada
  • Language:
    English, Mandarin Chinese
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.37:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Queen's University
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
  • Stockholm City Film Festival
    Stockholm
    Sweden
    December 1, 2023
    Winner of First-Time Short Category
  • Lift-off Film Festival
    London
    United Kingdom
    January 1, 2023
    Students of Storytelling Pt.1
    Winner of Audience Choice Awards
  • International Motion Pictures Awards
    Toronto, Ontario
    Canada
    Winner of Best Actress Dec 2023
Director Biography

A dynamic filmmaking duo with a passion for storytelling and a penchant for business.

We met in an accounting group project. At first we hardly connected, but with time, we uncovered our shared values and admiration for film in a program where not many shared the same interest. Soon after, what began as a relationship centered around ledgers and cash flow statements became one that was best seen on a script.

During business school, we planned our short film with little intention to bring it to life, but as we drafted the script we quickly realized that it was a story we wanted to tell. Within 10 weeks, we funded, casted, and assembled a team of others that believed in the concept of the film. By August 2023 we wrapped filming, and by December 2023 the film was complete.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Jordan is from Malaysia, Ricky is from Canada, and we are both based in Kingston, Ontario.

Our work aims to challenge societal norms, and advocate for the recognition and support of emerging artists who navigate the tension between passion and familial expectations. Together, we aim to put a lighthearted yet eye-opening spin on the struggles and aspirations of artistic youth.

Enjoy "Outside the Box," - our take on a story that is all-too familiar.