Traditional
Logline: Sean’s journey to retrieve his mother’s ashes in Vietnam turns into a nightmare when his estranged family of deeply superstitious shamans refuses to let him leave.
‘Traditional’ is a personal reflection of my experience of self-discovery and resilience as a gay, second-generation Vietnamese man growing up in Melbourne and navigating cultural challenges. Vietnam still has a conservative attitude towards the LGBTQ+ community, and social stigmas remain. Through horror, the story sheds light on the silent battles many face while reckoning their identity with their cultural heritage and sense of belonging.