Closing Dynasty
by Karen Pecota

Lloyd Lee Choi, USA 2022

Written and directed by filmmaker Lloyd Lee Choi, his short film CLOSING DYNASTY eloquently shares the impact of parents when they underestimate the ability their children have to understand a family crisis. Keeping children out of the conversation loop can have its consequences.

Synopsis:

Seven-year-old Queenie (Milinka Winata) hustles and schemes in a variety of ways to make money on the streets of New York City when she's not in school. Each night she observes that a piece of furniture from their family restaurant, called Dynasty, leaves the premises. Queenie asks, "Dad, what are you doing with the chairs?" Or other such items. There’s never a response other than a look of despair.

Queenie takes it upon herself to do what she can to support her mom (Eleven Lee) and dad (Allen Cheve) out of love and duty as a family member. Queenie secretly puts the money she garners off the street, into the cash register, unbeknown to her parents. Queenie knows that every little bit helps and hopes her efforts just might be what saves their livelihood. (KP)