The Cinematheque

In Person: Jason Karman

The feature debut of Vancouver-based director Jason Karman is a classic coming-of-age drama set in the digital age. Everyone wants something from high-school senior Jake (Cardi Wong): his father is pushing him to try out for the basketball team—an abandoned dream of his own—and his girlfriend wants to take their relationship to the next level. But it’s not until Aleks (Chris Carson), an openly gay teen with a love for basketball, moves in across the street that Jake begins to struggle with his own desires.

“Working with the youth, I have seen how social media puts enormous pressure on young minds. We are exposed to a confusing world that often defends toxic behaviour and celebrates questionable role models. Additionally, one has cultural elements like ​‘saving face’ that one must deal with. ​‘Saving face’ is a strategy to avoid humiliation or embarrassment as a method of survival and a core social value in Asian culture; sexuality is often hidden to ​‘save face.’ This film continues my exploration of how social media perspectives can connect us but also amplify emotions and alienate us. Golden Delicious shows that kids of immigrant families can manage this and, in the end, become stronger.” —Jason Karman

Best Canadian Feature Film, Best Overall Film (People’s Choice)
Vancouver Asian Film Festival 2022

Director Jason Karman will participate in a post-screening Q&A hosted by the KFFC