Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Erica Eng’s Americanized qualified to be considered for an Oscar

Erica Eng’s Americanized qualified to be considered for an Oscar

Director Erica Eng’s short film Americanized, which chronicles the journey of a girl balancing her two national identities: Chinese and American, has become Oscar-qualified after winning “Best Dramatic Short” at their world premiere at Cinequest. Eng wrote and directed the film based on her experiences. She shot it entirely in Oakland, CA at her own alma mater Skyline High School.

Talking about what led her to write Americanized, Eng said, “I wrote this story based on my experiences growing up in Oakland as a fifth-generation Chinese American. I had a hard time understanding what it meant to be Chinese because my family did not speak the language, cook the food, or practice many of the traditions. I did not feel fully Chinese, or fully American - I just felt lost.”


Erica Eng is now based in Los Angeles, but her Oakland roots still continue to inspire her and create work that reflects the diverse community in which she grew up. Her combined background in film and dance influences the rhythm and energy behind her emotional storytelling. Through her character-driven films, she creates stories that explore themes of cross-cultural relationships, acceptance, and self-discovery.

Eng partnered with producer Simran Mahal, a first-generation Indian American, who immediately resonated with Americanized because growing up she found herself stuck between two cultures as well - not feeling Indian enough, or American enough.

Mahal was the recipient of a 2020 SFFILM residency and her short films have screened at Sundance & SXSW. Mahal focuses her producing work on supporting minority and BIPOC artists and storytellers so she can support diverse narratives that shift viewers' perspectives.

The film stars non-binary actor Terry Hu (Disney’s Z-O-M-B-I-E-S 3 and winner of the 2018 ABC Digital Talent Competition) alongside, Amber Gaston (20th Century Fox short - Alien). The stunning cinematography was created by Drew Daniels (Waves and the Oscar-winning short film Skin).

Americanized has just begun its festival run. It screened at Atlanta Film Festival and LA Shorts International before taking home the “Best Short Film” at Geena Davis’s Bentonville Film Festival and the “Young Cineastes Award” at the Palm Springs International ShortFest.

Keep visiting this space over and again for more updates and reveals from the world of entertainment.

More For You

Babil Khan Breaks Silence on Viral Breakdown and Bollywood Misquote

Babil Khan opens up about his struggles in Bollywood and the emotional toll of the industry

Getty Images

Babil Khan reacts after viral breakdown video, says Bollywood comments were misread

Actor Babil Khan, known for being open about his mental health and struggles as a newcomer in Bollywood, recently found himself at the centre of online speculation after an emotional video of him went viral. In the clip, Babil was seen expressing frustration about the film industry, describing it as “rude” and “fake,” while naming fellow actors like Ananya Panday, Siddhant Chaturvedi, and Arjun Kapoor. Many assumed the comments were aimed at criticising these individuals, but Babil has now returned to clarify what really happened.

After the video spread on Reddit and sparked backlash, Babil briefly deactivated his Instagram. He soon returned, explaining that his words had been taken out of context. Far from attacking his peers, he said he was actually appreciating them for staying grounded and contributing positively to the industry.

Keep ReadingShow less
Mona Patel Set to Return to Met Gala 2025 After Iconic Debut

Mona Patel stuns in her butterfly-inspired Iris van Herpen gown at the Met Gala 2024

Getty Images

Will Mona Patel steal the spotlight again at Met Gala 2025 after her iconic butterfly moment?

Mona Patel didn’t just attend the Met Gala in 2024; she owned it. Clad in a butterfly-inspired dress that fluttered with every step, she captured the attention of fashion watchers across the globe. With just hours before this year’s Met Gala, all eyes are back on Patel, wondering if she’ll return to the iconic steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Born in Vadodara, Gujarat, Mona moved to the U.S. at 22, studying at Rutgers University before later earning degrees from top-tier institutions like MIT and Harvard Business School. She now lives in Dallas, Texas, where she’s built a business empire spanning healthcare, tech, and real estate. Her companies, including radXai and CareFirst Imaging, are collectively worth over £80 million (₹800 crore).

Keep ReadingShow less
Nora Fatehi Joins 5 Junction Records, Lands on Billboard Cover

Teaming up with Warner Music rapper King and Anjula Acharia, Nora Fatehi kicks off a new chapter aimed at taking South Asian music worldwide

Instagram/norafatehi

Nora Fatehi joins Warner Music’s 5 Junction Records and lands on Billboard cover

Nora Fatehi is moving beyond the dance floor and stepping firmly into the global music spotlight. Known for her performances and screen presence, she’s now turning her focus toward an international music career and she’s starting strong. Nora has just landed the cover of Billboard magazine, marking a major step in her evolving journey.

She’s part of a new label called 5 Junction Records, a joint venture between Warner Music Group, rapper King, and entrepreneur Anjula Acharia. The aim? To connect South Asian talent with wider international audiences, giving artists from the region a powerful platform backed by serious industry infrastructure.

Keep ReadingShow less
Gigi Hadid and Bradley Cooper Make It Instagram Official

Gigi Hadid and Bradley Cooper share a sweet kiss during her 30th birthday celebrations in New York

Instagram/gigihadid

Gigi Hadid goes Instagram official with Bradley Cooper in a viral birthday post

Gigi Hadid’s 30th birthday wasn’t just about cake, candles, and friends, it also quietly marked a big moment in her personal life. For the first time, the supermodel gave the world a glimpse into her relationship with actor Bradley Cooper, sharing a photo of the two kissing during her birthday bash in New York City.

The image, now making waves online, shows Gigi holding Bradley’s face, standing in front of a towering chocolate cake, surrounded by friends. It’s a cute, intimate moment, no dramatic announcement, just a candid post tucked among snapshots of birthday cocktails, family time, and Gigi’s four-year-old daughter, Khai.

Keep ReadingShow less
Trump’s 100% Tariff on Foreign Films: Bold Move or Bust?

Hollywood vs. the World: Can Trump’s Foreign Film Tariffs Save US Cinema?

Getty Images

Is Trump's 100% tariff on foreign films a smart move to save Hollywood or a blockbuster blunder?

In a surprising new move, Donald Trump has announced that the United States will impose a 100% tariff on all films made outside the country. According to Trump, this strong step is necessary to revive what he calls a rapidly declining American film industry. He blames foreign governments for luring away Hollywood productions with attractive financial incentives and claims this shift is a national security concern, tied to foreign “messaging and propaganda.”

Trump made the announcement via his social media platform, stating he has directed the Commerce Department and the US Trade Representative to start the process immediately. “We want movies made in America, again!” he declared.

Keep ReadingShow less