Hapa

NARRATIVE SHORT

JUNE 24, 2021

USA | 10 minutes | 2020

Drama short film directed by Takaya Abdou Lloyd
Starring Takaya Abdou Lloyd

As a young hapa (Japanese mixed race) from a poor upbringing, Graham Yamamoto has few options other than to remain in the only life he knows, a life of crime. Working for the small but far reaching Los Angeles branch of the yakuza, Graham is rejected by the other members due to his mixed heritage. Through adversity he learns to stand up for himself and earn some respect along the way.

Director’s Statement

I created Hapa as an outlet for the people like myself – mixed-race folks and Asian-Americans – who at any point in their lives have faced the challenges of being accepted by their community or struggled with feelings that they don’t belong in it. The film highlights these issues and is a celebration of heritage and culture.

Hapa is one of the many great projects shared with CineAsian Films through our submissions process. If you’d like to join them, submit your film.

Credits

Director, Writer, Producer, Editor: Takaya Abdou Lloyd
Producers: Jacob Dalton, Adam Moses
Cinematographer: Joseph Loeffler
Composer: Li Quan
Also starring: Austin Kuniyoshi, Shota Kakibata, K. Kevin Choi, Wilky Lau