Jiin F. Chang and his sister, Bright, experienced a childhood marked by constant moves. Originally from Taiwan, but now residing in Anchorage, they had a difficult time establishing a sense of belonging and often found themselves adapting to new cultures, and at times, forsaking their own cultural identity in order to find acceptance. This ongoing sense of alienation led them to feel like strangers to themselves.
“Time and again, we found ourselves in situations where we had no place to call home. In our home country, we were considered immigrants, while outside the country, regardless of the circumstances, we were always seen as foreigners,” Bright said. “This constant state of limbo made it difficult for us to recognize our own identity and purpose in life.”
This experience inspired Jiin, an emerging filmmaker who has written and directed several award-winning short films, to launch his first feature film, “Stranger.”
“When I moved to Alaska, I felt a sense of alienation and indifference. Without a car, I had to walk a lot,” said Jiin, who wrote and is directing the film. “It was during these walks that I noticed the homeless community in Anchorage and contemplated on our relation to being ‘strangers’ to each other. I talked to them, joined them for a cigarette, and learned to get comfortable sitting on the sidewalk.”
“Stranger” is the story of a runaway man returning home to visit his ailing mother. His arrival coincides with a series of ominous events involving his estranged brother and a mysterious woman. As secrets surface, the man finds himself entangled in a web of lies, deceit, and a past he can no longer escape. The film is intended to shed light on the multifaceted issue of homelessness and its profound impact on individuals’ sense of self.
“It is my hope that [this film] will inspire empathy and understanding, ultimately contributing to a society where homelessness is not merely a statistic but a human issue that deserves our collective attention and compassion,” said Bright, who is producing the film.
Earlier this year, Jiin was awarded a Rasmuson Foundation Project Award which supported his proof of concept including a pitch deck, storyboard, look book and concept video. Last month, he launched a Kickstarter campaign in hopes of raising the $30,000 in funding needed to film the movie.
“My goal with ‘Stranger’ is to invite all of us to reflect on those we perceive as strangers, their stories and identities,” Jiin said. “Through this engagement, one can make sense not only of others’ lives but also of their own.”
Funders have until Jan. 17 to donate to the campaign.
This article was published in partnership with Arts Anchorage.
Emily is an Anchorage-based graphic designer, writer and musician. She is the founder of Arts Anchorage.