Director’s Statement

Growing up, I was obsessed with stories. I remember asking my mother if she had a happier childhood memory to share, and she just told me “no.”

I grew up with a blend of worlds - that of an immigrant family, and that of a 1st Generation American. This mix of cultures shaped not only my outlook on life, but also my chosen career.

From an early age, my siblings and I had to learn how to fend for ourselves. We encountered a lot of unexpected and often hilarious mishaps along the way. From WWF-inspired wrestling matches to knife chases around our small apartment to lighting fires on our carpet, we did it all without our parents ever finding out.

“We’re Okay” is inspired by my childhood and the influence of my mom’s immigrant journey and single-parenthood. But especially about the resilience we found in each other.

It is a nostalgic, comedic trip, because I believe in finding humor even in times of struggle. Through this story, I want to celebrate the joy, chaos, and resourcefulness of 1st Generation American families.

While this story is personal, I hope it is also widely relatable to anyone who has ever had to simply make it work. Because at the end of the day, we’ll be okay, even if we don’t have a picture-perfect story to tell.

- Lucia