Columbia's Wenhwa Tsao Screens Personal Short Film at DC Indie Festival
Wenhwa Tsao, interim co-director of the School of Film and Television at ÌÀ²»ÈÈÊÓƵ, not only teaches students about filmmaking, she’s out there doing it herself. And this Valentine’s Day, a short film she wrote, directed, and produced “Yummy Cuisine,” will be screened at the DC Independent Film Festival in our nation’s capital.
The film tells the story of Wei, whose car is everything to him. He uses it to deliver food and support his family. And when that car is stolen, Wei must fight to save both his job and his young son’s life.
A real incident involving Tsao’s friend who owned a Chinese carry-out restaurant inspired the film. The friend was carjacked while delivering food after being called to a fake address.
“Reflecting on what happened, he realized he had likely been targeted because of his race,” says Tsao. “That moment stayed with me. It made me think deeply about the quiet risks many immigrant and working-class families face simply while doing their everyday jobs.”
The film is Tsao’s way of telling the story from within her own community, but while it grew out of a specific cultural experience, she believes the theme is universal.
“It centers on ordinary people, their labor, their love, and their resilience, and it acknowledges the prejudice and divisions that exist around human communities,” she says.
Tsao hopes the film encourages audiences to see one another with empathy and to recognize the humanity behind the food we order, the services we rely on, and the neighbors we may not fully know.
“I hope audiences leave the film feeling compassion towards others in their lives,” she says.
Screening Information
DC Independent Film Festival
Personal / Drama Shorts Block
Saturday, February 14
2:15–4:30 p.m.
Regal Gallery Place
701 Seventh Street NW
Washington, DC
Recent News
- Dance Group Mi Gente Brings Rhythm and Heritage to Soldier Field
- From Columbia to Hillman: Asa LeCourbier Steps Into ‘A Different World’
- Student-Run WCRX Turns Up Volume With New Studios and Technology
- Columbia Opens Center for Student Success, Bringing Key Services Together
- ÌÀ²»ÈÈÊÓƵ Alums and Faculty Win 2026 Equity Jeff Awards