All I Did Was Smile And Say Hello | KQED Homemade Film Festival

A woman takes us through her emotional process after a racist encounter at the airport during Covid-19. A colorful and moving animation that looks at fear and connection in an era marked by uncertainty.

A film by King Yaw Soon.

A KQED Homemade Film Festival Official Selection.
May 11 - May 15, 2020.
#homemadefilmfest #filmfestival

From the Director:
I first heard the airport story from Michelle when she shared it over a group zoom call. It was before the Bay Area announced “shelter-in-place”, before any of us knew how bad this pandemic would hit us, and before the rise of anti-asian racism across the country.

Michelle is an Asian American pharmacist. She shared how it’s a weird tension to be an Asian American while working in health care in these current times. There’s a difference in treatment when she has her white coat on versus when it’s off.

I was moved by her story - by how she responded to the discrimination with first, self-contemplation, and then the spirit of love and forgiveness. There was no hate nor fear.

I wanted to make an art piece with that spirit to document her story. It’s not a jab against racism and the fear of this virus, but a gentle reminder that we’re all humans, it’s okay to be scared and we still can be good to each other.

[alexishowell]

Love your heart, Michelle! A sad experience that you have used for good :)

[thairinkhudr]

Mr Soon, I think you made something beautiful. I am so glad many others think the same! 😊 Love, from Malaysia.

[yinyinliow]

Beautiful poetics and a touching story!
Thank you King and Michelle ❤️👍🏻

[heradabic]

When the boy waved at her, I cried. This is so beautiful

[PAXorg]

What a lovely way to share this important story—well done, King Yaw Soon!

[Angie_YouTube]

King and Michelle this is beautiful! I'm speechless...wow!

[saltysoo]

What a moving, thought-provoking story. Thank you for sharing your beautiful art.

[thevlocity]

King you are so talented. Your animation really brought Michelle’s story into light. Thank you both for creating this. Such an important message.

[lindahhlam]

<3 This is so beautiful and important message to share. I could totally see this turn this into a children's book! <3 Love the art and storyboard. Thank you for sharing your story and producing such a beautiful piece.

[loralibby]

Michelle - oh my goodness, I am crying. This is so beautiful - Thank you for sharing your story! #hateisavirus

[togruljafarov]

Ok, I must be very slow but in this beautiful video and very good narrative one key element is missing. A link between the main character/narrator and the lady with the child who ran away for whatever reason. It could be anything. I myself once in a shopping mall recalled that had forgotten to lock my car when I glance at a person in a navy blue shirt (my car is the same color) and just rushed back to the parking mall.