Lee’s ‘Becoming Eddie’ Screening at Boston Asian American Film Festival

Ed Lee‘s movie short Becoming Eddie is having its (virtual) New England premiere at the Boston Asian American Film Festival on October 22, and is streaming online from October 22 through November 1.

Read: Lee’s ‘Becoming Eddie’ Comedy to Tell Story of Growing Up Asian in ’80s

Lee’s own experiences growing up as Korean American in New Jersey during the 1980s are the inspiration for the film, said Lee, Assistant Professor in VMA and the Comedic Arts program.

“I wanted to capture that feeling of being in-between — that Asian Americans are expected to assimilate as much as possible, but still often considered foreigners by other Americans,” said Lee to Emerson Today. “The way I dealt with that as a kid was through popular culture, and especially the huge comedians of the 80s: Eddie Murphy, Robin Williams, and George Carlin.”

The festival’s website provided a synopsis of the film:

In 1985 suburban America, a Korean American boy named Yong has trouble fitting in with his classmates who only see him as a foreigner. In an effort to become popular, Yong makes a wish to become his idol, the world’s most famous foul-mouthed comedian. But when his wish comes true, it brings results that are both unexpected and profane.

Lilan Bowden, who played Bex on Andi Mack, directed the 16 minute film. Actress Helen Hong, who was in Silicon Valley and regularly appears on Wait! Wait! Don’t Tell Me, is also in the film. Lindsay Beamish, Assistant Professor in Performing Arts, co-stars in the film.

Bowden and Lee are currently developing the short film into a streaming series with Sony Pictures Television.