Synopsis: Set against the backdrop of a family-run food stand, young Quinn (Jovie Leigh) and her younger brother Liam (Kailen Jude) stop their petty bickering and settle on a family-oriented détente to keep the family’s food stand operating when mom is unexpectedly called away by her estranged husband for a court hearing about his child support.
The siblings’ plan is simple: Earn enough $$$ so that when she returns she can afford to take time off from work and attend Quinn’s concert where she will solo.
The siblings, of course, in light of the menacing realities of street life in an urban city, must rise to unexpected menacing events. There are times this film takes on a look of a Disneyesque action-adventure – until things get menacing
On a metaphorical level, the food stand symbolizes the family’s perseverance and sacrifice to strive successfully despite the daunting challenges of big city life. The film, according to publicity material, is grounded in authentic experiences. Nguyen’s background in documenting Southeast Asian refugee families, especially street-vending stories, injects emotional weight and infuses credibility into the narrative.
There were early moments when I felt like I was watching a Disneyesque family-type movie. I’m not sure why I felt that but felt it I did nonetheless. Then came the time I felt I was watching a Disneyesque action-adventure. There was a moment – followed by similar moments – when I fantasized leaping out of my film-reviewing seat and joining the action taking place on the screen.
The best way to sum up without tripping up on a spoiler is this. Director Oanh‑Nhi Nguyen’s THE STAND can cause strong visceral responses to what’s happening on the screen.
There were several reasons that this film snared this reviewer’s attention and imagination. Impressive performances by all actors not just the key ones. The cinematography resulted in bullseye verisimilitude about life for Vietnamese refugees in the 1970s. Skillful juxtaposition of images. The score and soundtrack.
The more a film invites repeat viewings and critical discussion, the more likely it is to be considered “great.”
Film resonance: I can’t help but believe that film audiences will see similarities between the cinematic sociopolitical themes depicted in the film and those reverberating in today’s America.
THE STAND stands out as a subtle, resonant short celebrating everyday courage and the strength of resilience. It’s a film that lingers—not with dramatic twists, but with simple honesty and emotional clarity. A truly moving addition to this year’s HollyShorts lineup.
Oanh-Nhi Nguyen is an award-winning filmmaker whose decade-long commitment to gender and racial justice drives her storytelling. Through her lens, she amplifies Asian women and girls, weaving narratives that explore diaspora, immigrant identity, and the complex bonds between generations.
An AFI Conservatory MFA graduate, Oanh-Nhi has directed ten narrative shorts and documentary episodes that have reached audiences from the Smithsonian American Art Museum to festival circuits nationwide.
Her acclaimed short “LITTLE BIRD” captured the Jury Award for Best Student Short at Cinequest 2025 and earned a Remi Award at WorldFest Houston. Her work has also been showcased at Tribeca Festival, Hollyshorts Film Festival, New Filmmakers LA Festival, CAAM Fest, Boston Asian American Film Festival, Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival, and Viet Film Fest.
Recognition from industry leaders includes her selection for Tribeca’s 2024 Creators Market, where she pitched to top professionals, alongside acceptance of her comedy pilot “UNACCEPTABLE” into the Athena’s Writers Lab and her docuseries debut “TAKING ROOT” into the 2023 Tribeca Festival.
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Part 3 Is in the Works: Interview With Director Oanh-Ni Nguyen
The interview has been cancelled.
the WORD Editor, Reviewer Gregg W. Morris