Midland's Got Talent

Director: Eric Yang
Screenwriters: Eric Yang

Institute History

  • 2011 Annenberg Film Fellowship Grant

Description


Unlike most international students, Leon comes to study in the US for only one reason: Love. His longtime girlfriend Jing had gone a year earlier and he has since stopped hearing from her. Fearing he will lose the love of his life, Leon successfully goes through the trouble of applying and getting accepted to the same school Jing is attending. Upon his arrival, however, he is distressed to discover that Jing is now dating Pete, a young American who is not only devoted to her, but also able to offer her an easy shortcut to becoming an American herself.

Convinced that Jing still has feelings for him, Leon embarks on an impossible journey. He decides to recreate the moment she fell in love with him: the moment they sang a love song together in a Chinese New Year talent show many years ago. The problem is, in the small Midwestern town, there is little Chinese presence, and he has to start from scratch.

Throughout the journey, Leon encounters various supporters and enemies. His love for Jing is tested, and his own beliefs challenged. He comes to realize that America is not all about dreams and freedom, but perhaps more about endurance and sacrifices. In the meantime, Leon’s endeavor encourages and empowers the small Chinese community. For the first time, the Chinese in Midland find their own voices, and Leon finds the answer he has been looking for.

Screening Details

Credits

As you use our Online Archives, please understand that the information presented from Festivals, Labs, and other activities is taken directly from official publications from each year. While this information is limited and doesn't necessarily represent the full list of participants (e.g. actors and crew), it is the list given to us by the main film/play/project contact at the time, based on the space restrictions of our publications. Each entry in the Online Archives is meant as a historical record of a particular film, play, or project at the time of its involvement with Sundance Institute. For this reason, we can only amend an entry if a name is misspelled, or if the entry does not correctly reflect the original publication. If you have questions or comments, please email [email protected]