“I wanted to create something unique that stood out from the traditional documentary”

Tickets and more information about ‘Starring Jerry as Himself’

‘Starring jerry as Himself’ is a docu-fiction hybrid that blurs the lines of reality while staying true to the subject and his story. We employed a variety of creative filmmaking techniques to capture the world from Jerry’s perspective. The film is a genre bending meta experience, with our subject Jerry starring in his own recreation of his unique journey, ultimately providing the catharsis that helped him process what happened.

I wanted to create something unique that stood out from the traditional documentary and also reflected Jerry’s state of mind, so we nested a film within a film. Within the many layers of the story, Jerry plays himself, an undercover secret agent for the Chinese police, in a cinematic recreation that makes us forget we are watching a documentary. However every scene is still a verite observation of Jerry as he relives his trauma. Every conversation written from Jerry’s memory reveals a subconscious desire for connection and affirmation. Every moment with family unearths hidden truths about his complex relationships. Through this hybrid approach, ‘Starring jerry as Himself’ gives us a never seen before glimpse into the lives of a real Asian American family dealing with tragedy.