Dear Daniel | Jubilee Project Film

There are times in our lives when we wonder if we were meant to follow our passions and live for something greater. "Dear Daniel" is a coming of age story of a young man, John Lee, who is trying to chase his dreams. But to do so, he must face and confront the most important people in his life. In the end, only he can choose the path he wishes to take.

Our goal with Dear Daniel is to empower young people who watch this film to chase their own dreams and live a life of passion. Too often we settle for less because of the many factors that tell us we need to play it safe and take the more conventional route. But this keeps us from actually becoming the person we are meant to be.


Written, Produced and Directed by the Jubilee Project. We make videos for a good cause to enable, empower and inspire others to do good.

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@jubileeproject

Help us caption & translate this video!

[HienHuaaaa]

Shout out to the random trash bin in the middle of the street at 12:50. When you think no one notices, doesn't mean no one cares. I will always be here for you.

[BlackCrystalAlchemis]

This is the saddest and most touching thing I've seen all day. Such a powerful short film.

[alicemao]

This is such an under appreciated film by Jubilee Project. So breathlessly moving and exquisitely articulate about the challenges that Asian Americans face in pursuing less conventional career goals. Love the portrayal of brotherhood, of family, of college sweethearts, of faith, and even the foray into a more taboo subject such as depression. A story that resonates, Bravo.

[peggiel.]

I  am in tears. I always want to make those around me proud. I wish my great aunt and great uncle was still alive to see the amazing things I been doing. I never got to share my artistic talent with my great aunt before she passed or how well I been doing in school. I  am  studying to be a therapist one day because of two amazing people in my life. My last therapist seriously changed my life so much.

[tbc.bycharlotte]

I was watching this with my brother... And I just cried when he said that Daniel died... And when John read his brother's note. This film doesn't only shows and gives inspiration for us to reach our dreams... But also, making us realize that, no matter happens, our family are the ones who is going to support us no matter what. Just like Daniel to John. I just thought that, I have to be supportive to my younger brother, like Daniel is to his younger bro. Very Inspiring and touching.

[taniagomez]

I can't even imagine how much you must miss your brother. It is great to see how you have channeled this very sad part of life and transformed into something that touches so many other lives. One pray from the heart for Daniel and one big thanks for you fulfillling your purpose in life. Hug.

[christineregines]

I've got teary-eye when John found the note of Daniel.. I can relate so much.. I want to have that kind of passion..

"A life with passion, is a life worth living"

[jubilee]

Thank you for the incredible feedback and support so far! Make sure to read the video description to learn about our #DearDaniel essay contest. We want to hear about your passions!

Also make sure to share and tweet us @jubileeproject with the hashtag #DearDaniel! :D

[LPShannah]

Dear Eddie, Eric & Jason,
Thank you for making these videos. Thank you for being such wounderful people.
And thank you for being so inspiring and making the world a better place. I'm very thankful that you do this on YouTube, and i'm sure many more are.
Follow your dreams and i wish you the best!
Love,
Hannah

[yonglerrific]

"Life with passion is a life worth living" this shall be my motto in life. Thank you Jubilee Project

[MoonStar]

The moment I saw his brother take the medicine, I instantly knew those were anti-depressants and the moment he received the phone call, I just knew that something happened to his brother. His brother obviously chose to follow the path his parents wanted for him instead of pursuing his own dreams and he didn't want his little brother to go through the same things he did.
This video was very inspiring and motivational. It was so touching to me because this is something that I'm going through too.

[marecastro]

6 years later and I'm just watching this. This story is so relatable.

[Vunami]

Between two brothers, Jason and I were the ultimate team. Sure, we were pressured to be doctors or lawyers just like what any asian parent would want, but it was just a simple suggestion in this case. Jason was odd and illogical sometimes, but he was coolest little brother I could ever ask for. He would help me whenever I needed him, he would play games with me when I’m bored, and he would even give me a whole chunk of his allowance when I begged him for it. Even though I never really told him this as a dear older brother, but I loved Jason. Ever since to this day, I think about how I could have prevented his suicide from happening, but I was once a stubborn and competitive brother who always wanted the family’s approval no matter what. I am the only person in this world who truly understands Jason, and I never once showed him how much I loved him. Our interactions were usually through video games and encouragement to be the best at what we do. Jason and our parents would often have huge disputes over why we should all go to church every weekend. When my brother vents to me, I try to tell him that it will all go back to normal in time, but it didn’t. Days became months, and then it happened. Jason jumped off a bridge. It happened out of nowhere, just like in the video.
Now, I truly want to become an orthopaedic surgeon because of the beautiful techniques and procedures it demonstrates. Passion is real, and it succeeds all obstacles with ease because it shows more of "fun" than "work". God bless you all.

[janetDT]

This is BY FAR my FAVOURITE Jubilee short movie. Oh my heart. As someone who suffers from depression, it really touched my heart to see this. Thank you for making this movie xx

[catestuff]

Jubilee Project After watching the behind the scenes from The Prodigal I re-watched this with new eyes. I am so glad the story of our favorite Lee brothers did not end up the same way as Daniel's. I just want to say congratulations to the whole JP crew for doing such a good job on this film. Definitely tugged at the heartstrings and spurs me forward to live a life meant for greater things, not just what the norms dictate.

[alyssavin]

The Jubilee Project never fails to make me shed a tear. Thank you.

[kirsrox]

I feel the same. You guys always make me cry.

[kyh]

I love this so much! My parents are practically forcing my brother to do computer engineering when he wants to do biology lab work. I want to act and write, but I feel like I'm being held down by my mom and by society itself. My dad thinks writing is just a side thing for me... This video is so relatable and inspirational, thank you so much!

[tigresslioness]

I used to have such love for my passion in life but lately I feel lost. I hope I find that spark again and I hope you find yours!

[bobbygarnica]

This video hit home. HARD. My god father took his own life. He was a highly respected man. Captain of a fire department, son was an all star football player in high school. He had so much to live for. If you ever feel like you can't keep going reach out and tell somebody why. They will show you 10x as many reasons why you CAN