Carry on

Carry On is my thesis project for a MFA in Film and Animation at Rochester Institute of Technology. The entire process took more than two years from start to finish. In November 2011, I wrote the first draft of the script. In April 2013, we finished filming. I did not wrap up editing and the final stages of production until December 2013. I ran into many difficulties and faced many challenges during this special experience, yet I also received more help than I had ever imagined in getting me through these hard times. Truthfully, there would be no way for me to finish a project of this magnitude all on my own. I have learned so much and solidified many professional relationships through this project. I believe this invaluable experience will serve as a cornerstone for my future career development. Carry On tells a story set in Japan-occupied China during World War II. In 1944, the tide turned against Japan and the war began winding down. Prior to their retreat, Japanese troops looted every Chinese village in their path. They took only food and women from these villages followed by massacring all others and burning everything to the ground. To save his daughter, a Chinese father in my film stuffs her into a large bag disguised as food. As he loads the bag onto the back of a truck along with other bags with food, a Japanese army officer spots his secret. But, surprisingly, moved by the Chinese father's love and courage the officer plays along and lets the daughter go.