Snake Tongue

A hitwoman’s mission unravels when her target reveals her past as a victim of the Chinese Snakeheads.

  • Jojo Kim
    Director
    Fetish
  • Andrew Cao
    Writer
  • Jojo Kim
    Producer
  • Andrew Cao
    Producer
  • Jamie Li
    Key Cast
    "Lisa"
  • Christine Fang
    Key Cast
    "Hitwoman"
  • Mingjie Zhai
    Key Cast
    "Chinese Drama Actress"
  • Andrew Cao
    Cinematographer
  • Jake Lundell
    Gaffer
  • Mary An Nan
    Sound Mixer
  • Angelica Moreno
    First Assistant Director
  • Desirey Roman
    Production Designer
  • Erika Flores
    Composer
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Runtime:
    5 minutes 12 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    October 28, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    500 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English, Mandarin Chinese
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    21:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - University of Southern California
Director Biography - Jojo Kim

Jojo Kim is a Korean-American Director and Producer based in Los Angeles with a passion for telling stories that challenge, inspire, and connect. After a successful career in Advertising for half a decade in New York (working with brands like Under Armour, LinkedIn, Bank of America, Chewy.com, and more) and a life-altering health scare, she made the bold decision to pursue her true passion and moved to LA in March of 2024. Driven by a commitment to impactful storytelling, she seeks to shed light on the untold stories of identity, belonging, and community. When she’s not directing, Jojo is producing and helping others bring their visions to life in the form of music videos, narratives, and commercials.

Jojo’s work often explores complex themes such as cultural identity and emotional vulnerability, offering fresh perspectives on universal struggles. With a deep belief in the power of storytelling to bring about change, she strives to create films that resonate beyond the screen. Her unique voice and dedication to highlighting marginalized experiences have positioned her as a promising force in the industry.

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Director Statement

As an AAPI filmmaker, I’ve always been drawn to stories that explore identity and the internal battles we face in navigating who we are. Snake Tongue was born from a desire to tell a story that examines the intersections of history, trauma, and survival, particularly through the lens of Asian female experiences.

My cinematographer, Andrew Cao, and I worked to create a visual world that reflects both the personal and cultural layers of our characters. The story touches on the deeply rooted traumas tied to the Chinese Snakeheads—a criminal network that traffics people into exploitative situations—and how the past catches up with our protagonist in unexpected ways. We wanted to create a film that leaves viewers reflecting on how the past shapes our sense of self.

Through this project, I aim to challenge audiences to consider the untold stories behind the faces we pass by every day. Our hope is that Snake Tongue sparks further thinking around trauma, resilience, and the complex dynamics of identity within the Asian diaspora.