South east asia

AFA Students in South East Asia Embark on Their First Film Production

Yuen, My Son

Yuen, My Son, is a true story from an interior village in China. The film tells the story of a struggling mother, married to an abusive man who neglected their son. After the death of her husband, Hehuan is left alone and struggles to take care of her sick child. As the child grows, he is too ill to take care of himself, and the society around her urges her to abandon the child. Hehuan’s life of hard work and agony starts to change after a matchmaker pairs her with a new husband. The new marriage had its frayed as the mother struggled to balance between her sick child and the family with the new husband, including her mother-in-law. After countless trials and tribulations, she emerged from her struggles. Her husband wholeheartedly raised and cared for her son, and he started to recover. The story is about the mother, her love for her son, and her transformative journey from darkness to light.

Watch the trailer

The vibrant community of aspiring filmmakers at the American Film Academy (AFA) in Asia is buzzing with excitement as students have officially commenced production on their debut short film, Son. This ambitious project, based on a story by Xu Rui and directed by the talented Zuriel Shroeder, is a testament to the creativity and passion of these young artists who are turning their learning into tangible outcomes.

Transforming Learning into Practice

For the students at AFA, Yuen, My Son represents much more than just a short film—it’s the culmination of intensive learning and training. Over the past months, they’ve delved into the art and craft of filmmaking, from scriptwriting and direction to cinematography and acting. This production is their first opportunity to demonstrate the depth of their skills in a real-world scenario.
Most of the crew and even parts of the cast are composed of AFA students. This hands-on experience is allowing them to not only showcase their talents but also gain invaluable practical exposure. They’re striving to achieve professional-grade results while working under tight deadlines and maintaining the highest standards of production quality.

MOS (Mind On Something)

A significant highlight of this endeavor is the students’ use of the MOS—Mind on Something—practice in their acting training. This innovative technique has proven instrumental in helping budding actors bring authenticity and depth to their performances. By encouraging actors to internalize their characters’ intentions and emotions, MOS allows for natural and compelling portrayals on screen. The technique’s success is evident in the performances witnessed so far in Son, which many are already praising for their nuance and emotional impact.

The Story of Yuen, My Son

Anticipating the April Release

With the production well underway, excitement is building for the film’s anticipated release in April. The students are leaving no stone unturned to ensure every frame of Son reflects their dedication and hard work. They’re embracing this journey with enthusiasm and a commitment to professional excellence, traits that will undoubtedly serve them well in their future careers as filmmakers.