Squeegee Boy (2024)

In a quest to find belonging and acceptance, a young trans Asian American teenager yearns to become part of a tight-knit group of squeegee boys in the Baltimore city. But as he navigates the challenges of this gritty urban landscape and grapples with the complexities of his own identity, he discovers that the job demands more than just physical labor - it requires a strength of character and a resilience that he must cultivate from within. Supported by Saul Zaentz Innovation Fund. 

Awards

Baltimore Screenwriter’s Competition, 2nd Place, Short Film Category
Audience Awards, 12+   |  New York International Children's Film Festival 
Remi Award  |   World Fest Huston 

Official Selection
Cleveland International Film Festival 
Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival
Maryland Film Festival 
Female Eye Film Festival 
Asian American International Film Festival 
DC Shorts International Film Festival 
Out On Film: Atlanta's LGBTQ Film Festival
Asian American International Film Festival
CAAMFest
Taipei International Golden Short Film Awards
Cinemagic International Film Festival 
DC Shorts International Film Festival
Annapolis Film Festival
Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival
Seattle Queer Film Festival

Invited Screening
Aguilar Film Festival

Semi-Finalist
Flickers' Rhode Island International Film Festival

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​Director's Statement 

When I relocated to Baltimore, I was immediately drawn to the squeegee boys and their unique way of making a living. Every time I passed by them, I found myself wondering about their stories, their backgrounds, and their motivations. It was during one of these moments of reflection that the idea for my film first took shape: what if a trans teen were to become a squeegee boy? What kind of challenges might they face? Would they be accepted by their peers and the wider community?
With this concept in mind, I teamed up with my producer, Taelor, to delve deeper into the world of squeegee boys. Through extensive interviews and research, we were able to craft a story that explores themes of identity, acceptance, and resilience. I also wanted to explore the intersectionality of Asian American, Trans, and Black experiences and to reflect on the Asian privilege. Our hope is that this film will shed light on an often-overlooked aspect of urban life and inspire viewers to see the world through a new lens.