He Belongs To Us

The two-year journey to make this film was often tumultuous, even devastating. For one, we had very limited resources and even less when it came to actual, meaningful support. More importantly we learned quickly that we would need determination, imagination and ingenuity if we were going to see this film get made.

He Belongs To Us is a story about a young man utterly alone as his world is overrun by the supernatural beings that once plagued his dreams. The supernatural, however, is not the only thing haunting Remy. His mother’s death and his own neglected childhood are memories that frequently creep up on him.

We often overlook the effects of childhood trauma, especially pertaining to one’s relationship with his or her mother. In many cultures, a child’s concept of reality itself is rooted in his or her relationship with the mother. This is of particular relevance when it comes to He Belongs To Us. Remy’s trauma has led to reoccurring nightmares that now snare his waking reality as well. His sense of reality is shattered. We meet Remy while he is grieving and never know him before this period. He is a man who is cut off, emotionally and physically, from any sense of grounding.

I relate to him on some level, perhaps as all creators are to their creation. As an immigrant, there is a certain desire for longing that nestles deep inside you and when you’re cut off from your family it affects you. I haven’t seen my family for 18 years. My relationship with them is through Skype, which when you come by it honestly, is just a 2D piece of glass where I only see images off the people I love and miss greatly. I think a lot of people can relate to this disconnect. Loneliness is deeply-rooted and ubiquitous phenomena, even if we shy away from admitting it. At its core, this film conveys this same disconnect by using Remy as a metaphor of these uncertain, disconnected times we live in today.

He Belongs To Us is founded on surrealism and my interest in existentialism. I am drawn to films that reflect the character’s inner feelings and existence. My inspirations come from films such as Hour of the Wolf, The Tenant, Black Moon, and Carnival of Souls.

This is my first film, but I’m sure that this film will remain very close to me in years to come. Despite all the limited resources and numerous obstacles, I was still able to make a film that remains true to my vision. I am eternally grateful to my cast and crew that helped make He Belongs To Us a reality.

My hope is that when the audience watch this film, they get to feel the film, something vigorous and coruscating, at its core. I hope also that they see a glimpse of things to come from me.