Last semester, I wrote and directed Searching for Color— a personal story about adoption and finding Asian belonging in a nail salon.
This is the first time I’ve ever told the story of what it’s like to be adopted and to constantly search for a home. Growing up, the nail salon was one of the few places where I saw people who looked like me. For an Asian adoptee, that meant everything.
Endless gratitude to my incredible collaborators: @vnessaph , @juneangela_official , @raggedrobin@bella_night001 —thank you for bringing your heart and artistry to this film. To my crew, my chosen family—your dedication, your honesty, your spirit filled this film with life. It’s rare to find connections on set that feel as raw as the ones that inspire a story, and I’m forever grateful to you all.
Ultimately, Searching for Color is a love letter. Gina, the nail lady, is a manifestation of the strong, independent women who have shaped me—most of all, my Nana. A Filipina woman who lived with my family as my grandfather’s caretaker, she was my world. She taught me Tagalog, she loved me, and I loved her. When her Visa expired in 2012, we were separated.
During filming, I found out that she interviewed to receive her Visa again. Soon, she’ll return, and we’ll be reunited. This film is for her.
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Writer/Director: @mikaylaashe 💅
Producer/Editor: @venus.lrd
Director of Photography: @ihsan.zirih
Starring: @vnessaph@juneangela_official@raggedrobin@bella_night001
1st AD: @katieyoun_@edwardmhuang
Art Director: @maizyxzenger
1st AC: @alextheguo
Grip: @jct.tiger
Script Supervisor: @josh.ohh
BTS: @kla.wong
Design: @elvi.lu
Nail Salon Customers: @allie.mer@sea_gira@astoldbyvictoria_@paulette.alvarezz@jodie_foster_cheesecake@angel.inachoy@z0rasim0ne@laur.enkim@sophieabiog@allisonkjon
Color: @ihsan.zirih
Sound Design: @mikaylaashe
Animation: @magician_anto
Composer: @rennato.nunez
