Press

Upcoming Screenings

North Carolina South & East Asian International Film Festival
May 5, 2024

Reviews

"The acting is pitch perfect and Chan and Chen turn in wonderful performances."

–Philip Smolen
Rogue Cinema

"Paced beautifully and told with intelligence and wisdom."

–Richard Propes
The Independent Critic

"Subtle and poetic."

–Theo Alexander
Unsung Films

"Chan's careful compositions carry a wonderful emotional impact... a beautiful cinematic tone poem."

–Philip Smolen
Rogue Cinema

"Emotionally resonant."

–Richard Propes
The Independent Critic

"A sweet and revealing insight."

–Philip Smolen
Rogue Cinema

About The Film

Descendants of the Past, Ancestors of the Future is a dramatic short film about an expectant father who must deal with his family's past in order to face the future. This compelling and heartfelt film explores the sacrifices immigrant families make and the powerful bond that ties all generations of a family together—living, deceased, and yet to come.

Our team's distinctions and honors include a Golden Globe® nomination, two Emmy® nominations, and a Drama Desk nomination, and we have worked on such projects as The Dark Knight, Three Days of the Condor, Gotham, Ghosts of Girlfriends Past, 30 Rock, Cold Case, House MD, Law & Order SVU, Bee Movie, The Simpsons Movie, Body of Proof, Underdog, and Brotherhood. [MORE]

Boston Asian American Film Festival — June 1, 2015 Interview: Tina Chen \| BAAFF 2014: "I've always thought I'm a descendant of the past, and all of a sudden I've felt that I'm an ancestor of the future, and now I have a three-year-old grandson." [MORE]
Boston Asian American Film Festival — May 29, 2015 Interview: Albert Chan \| BAAFF 2014: "Descendants of the Past, Ancestors of the Future is about lineage, it's about knowing where you come from, and using that to move forward." [MORE]
Talent TV Productions — April 29, 2015 Asians On Film Festival - Albert Chan & Tina Chen "Descendants Of The Past, Ancestors Of The Future": "When I first saw the title, Descendants of the Past, Ancestors of the Future... it emotionally triggered something in me." [MORE]
Boston Asian American Film Festival Blog — November 15, 2014 Interview with Tina Chen, Actress in "Descendants of the Past": "Everyone should see this film because it provides an opportunity for viewers to re-examine their own family histories and beliefs, and the influence of their ancestors on their own lives. I imagine that many Asian Americans will relate deeply to the family traditions depicted in the film." [MORE]
Rogue Cinema — November 4, 2014 Film Reviews: Descendants of the Past, Ancestors of the Future (2014): "The acting is pitch perfect and Chan and Chen turn in wonderful performances. The film is also beautifully photographed and Chan's careful compositions carry a wonderful emotional impact. "Descendants of the Past, Ancestors of the Future” is a superb look at family and family customs. It is also a beautiful cinematic tone poem." [MORE]
Unsung Films — October 19, 2014 Descendants of the Past, Ancestors of the Future: "Albert M. Chan's Descendants of the Past, Ancestors of the Future is subtle and poetic – it passes by very quietly, softly, like a mild wind. It is an hymn to family; but a deeper, more holistic concept of an idea that is often thought of more biologically than spiritually..." [MORE]
Boston Asian American Film Festival Blog — September 10, 2014 BAAFF Filmmaker Spotlight: Albert M. Chan: "BAAFF.org caught up with Albert M. Chan, Director of The Commitment, which was a short film screened at our 2012 festival. Albert has submitted another film, Descendants of the Past, to this year's festival." [MORE]