937394 1351670

NIAN

Runtime 6 mins
Language English
Alberta Premiere

This short film is included in the following package(s): SHORTS: I CAN'T GO TO SLEEP


After confiding in her grandmother Ah-Ma about a racist remark made by a bully at school, Gertie comes to class and presents a family heirloom: an ancient Chinese Demon Mask. The mask is said to ward off evil, including the NIAN, a mythological beast believed to come down after sunset on the eve of the Lunar New Year to eat bad children. After school, Gertie's bully makes another racist remark and Gertie attempts to stand up to her attacker. Gertie dons the mask and discovers its protective powers just as the NIAN arrives.

Countries

United States
Awards
Best Midnight Short - Palm Springs International ShortFest
Festivals
Fantasia International Film Festival, Palm Springs International ShortFest
Director
Michelle Krusiec
Executive Producer
David Worthen, Jenna Cavelle, Arbi Pedrossian, Valerie Steinberg
Producer
Brian Yang, Matthew Keene Smith, Jason Mclagan, Michelle Krusiec
Screenwriter
Michelle Krusiec
Cinematographer
Laura Merians Goncalves
Editor
Cynthia Chen
Music
Daniel Walter
Cast
Lauren Mei, Dawn Akemi Saito, Ava DeVoe