Diane, an aspiring actress looking for work, finds herself in the office of psychiatrist Dr. Hiller. As part of a ground-breaking if controversial study, Dr. Hiller hires Diane to role play as the deceased partner of one of his clients. Desperate for work, Diane accepts the job and finds herself in a position where she must act out a scenario in which to bring emotional closure to someone else’s pain. However, when Diane realizes the selfishness of her assigned client, she is thrust into a dilemma of continuing her usual behavior of people-pleasing or to finally stand up for herself.

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Director’s Vision for ‘Grieving’

The initial idea for the film, “Grieving,” came to me while listening to a friend vent about a string of bad dates where she ended up consoling recently broken-up men as they navigated their new single life. She referred to the dates as “free therapy sessions.” At the end of these “sessions,” she would feel emotionally drained, while the men would feel lighter from venting.

Being a people pleaser myself, I have always prioritized the needs and happiness of others over my own. This lifestyle has led me to where I am today, forming friendships and finding love, but not without a cost – battling anxiety and depression. “Grieving” is the untold story of a people pleaser, Diane, eager to give in a society that overvalues takers, and explores the consequences of this dynamic.

I aimed to delve into how our social world is built on needy individuals taking advantage of those who are too “nice” to stand up for themselves. The film tells the often-overlooked story of the plight of the people-pleaser.

As a recovering people pleaser myself, I want this film to deeply resonate with individuals who share this trait, showing them how they can be taken advantage of not only by those in power but also by those who claim to be helping. In doing so, I hope this film holds up a mirror to those who only look out for themselves or lack awareness of the consequences of their behavior. It can feel like the world unintentionally punishes those who are too mindful of others while rewarding the ignorant. I want this film to reassure the mindful ones that they are not alone or crazy for feeling used. The climax of the short film serves as a cathartic release for audience members who find themselves relating to Diane.

I also want this film to confront the invisibility of the Asian American experience in American society. As a Korean American born and raised in America, I have always felt caught between two worlds. I didn’t naturally fit in with my fellow students/colleagues, nor did I feel like I belonged to my parents’ world. To navigate this, I was always told by my parents to smile and keep my head down – an experience many immigrants can relate to. With this film, I aim to provide a glimpse into the feeling of growing up being told not to “rock the boat” and just to keep others happy.

Ultimately, I want to raise the question of how one can live selflessly in a society that rewards selfishness. My hope is that this film inspires those who feel marginalized, whether it gives them the courage to stand up to injustice or simply lets them know they are not alone. I hope our story touches anyone who is feeling hopeless in a seemingly indifferent world.