Spike Lee and Joan Chen Champion Post-Roe Short Film “The Truck”

Spike Lee and Joan Chen are executive producing a new short film. The project is titled The Truck. It is a coming-of-age thriller. The film explores the impact of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. This story is urgent and relevant for today’s America.

The short film is the live-action debut for director Liz Rao. It follows a Chinese American teenager and her boyfriend. They try to obtain the morning-after pill in a restrictive small town. The narrative tackles contested reproductive rights head-on.

Spike Lee Backs Former Student’s Urgent Film Project

Lee has taught at the NYU Graduate Film School for three decades. He described Liz Rao as the latest talent from his program. He praised her unique vision and courage to speak truth to power. Lee called the film an urgent and gripping look at teen love and freedom.

The film stars Shirley Chen and Daniel Zolghadri. It is produced by Eliza Soros. The Truck has already gained significant festival recognition. It world-premiered at the prestigious Telluride festival. It also screened at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

Joan Chen Praises Film’s Nuanced Power Dynamics

Actress and director Joan Chen also endorsed the project. She highlighted Rao’s striking voice as a writer and director. Chen said the film transforms a coming-of-age tale into a visceral look at American power dynamics. She praised the layered performances from the young leads.

Director Liz Rao drew from her own experiences. She is the daughter of immigrants from Southern China. Rao grew up in Tennessee and Chicago. Her films embrace Americana while voicing its perils. She aims to shed light on a shared story many face.

The involvement of acclaimed filmmakers like Spike Lee and Joan Chen underscores the cultural significance of The Truck. This short film delivers a powerful message about choice and consequence in a changed America. Its festival success signals a resonant story that demands attention.

Thought you’d like to know

What is the short film “The Truck” about?

It follows a Chinese American teenager and her boyfriend. They attempt to buy the morning-after pill in a small town. Their journey highlights restricted reproductive rights.

Why are Spike Lee and Joan Chen involved?

Both veteran filmmakers see the project as urgent and artistically compelling. Lee was Rao’s teacher at NYU. They both want to support a powerful new voice in cinema.

Has the film received any awards?

Yes, it won the Grand Jury Prize at the Oscar-qualifying Florida Film Festival. It also secured the best screenplay honor at the Rhode Island International Film Festival.

Where has “The Truck” been shown?

It premiered at the Telluride Film Festival. It has also been screened at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York.

Who stars in the short film?

The cast includes Shirley Chen from the film *Didi* and Daniel Zolghadri from *Eighth Grade*. They play the two love-crossed teenagers.