Grandma’s 80th Surprise (2019)
Episode 4: My Story To Script
Grandma’s 80th Surprise (2019) is a 10-minute dramedy about a respectful young man who is forced to confront his family's rigid traditions as he seeks the approval of the family matriarch, his formidable 80-year-old Grandmother. The film features Myrasol Martinez as Ella, Curtis Lum as Curtis, Lillian Lim as Grandma Lily and Ricky He as Ryan
In this episode, we talk to Fola Evans-Akingbola (Writer & Director), Curtis Lum (Writer & Curtis), Ricky He (Ryan), and returning guest, Marc Yungco (Director of Photography).
00:00 Introductions
03:09 The making of Grandma’s 80th Surprise
07:41 The goals behind making Grandma’s 80th Surprise
21:15 The MAMM experience
31:03 Choosing who will direct and who will act
33:35 Easter eggs while shooting Grandma’s 80th Surprise
42:09 Fola and Curtis’ relationship with Curtis’ grandmother and the Lum family
47:17 The festival success of Grandma’s 80th Surprise
01:00:12 Food for thought and what are you working on
01:09:29 Where can you find the team?
01:11:08 Conclusion and credits
For more information about the Mighty Asian Moviemaking Marathon, visit https://vaff.org/mamm/
Films Referenced in the Interview
Untold Stories: Hair On Set (2023)
Special thanks to
Vancouver Asian Film Festival
Mighty Asian Moviemaking Marathon
The Lum Family
Robert Pon & Pearl Chen
Philip Planta
Neil Colango
Angie Chen
Darnele Jacques
Susan Narciso
Ben Sayo
Miren Valdes
Peter Planta
Donair Dude Davie Street
Diplomat Bakery
Salathai Thai Restaurant
Director: Fola Evans-Akingbola
Writer: Fola Evans-Akingbola & Curtis Lum
Producer: Curtis Lum, Fola Evans-Akingbola, Marc Yungco, Willan Leung
First Assistant Director: Daniela Anania
Director of Photography: Marc Yungco
Production Designer: Mik Narciso
Costume Designer: Anthony Lewis
Key Hair & Make-Up: Iya Yujuico
Sound Mixer: Chris Corpuz
Starring:
Curtis Lum as Curtis
Lillian Lim as Grandma Lily
Myrasol Martinez as Ella
Wonita Joy as Mrs. Lam
Ricky He as Ryan
Simon Chin as Uncle Phil
Micah Chen as Young Curtis
Mike Ching as Mr. Lam
Sharmaine Yeoh as Auntie 1
Jeannie Mak as Auntie 2
First Assistant Camera: Kelly Chow
Second Assistant Camera: Elijah Snakeskin
Steadicam Operator:
BTS & Stills: Paolo Valdez
Gaffer: Jared Cheer
Lamp Operator: Ethan Johnson
Set Decorator: Louisa Birkin, Amandine Dun
Boom Operator: Brandon Rinehart
Hair and Make-up Assistant: Stacey Koch
Editor: Tom Belding
Composer: Dave Chick
Colorist & Sound Design: Marc Yungco
Executive Producer: Fola Evans-Akingbola, Curtis Lum
Associate Producer: Natasha Jung