Yellow Balloon is a short film directed by Summer Luu and co-written with Olyvia Chac-Nguyen. The story follows Ái Vân, a 6-year-old Vietnamese-American child adopted by their immigrant grandparents, as they navigate the complexities of identity, belonging, and letting go.

As the Finishing Editor, I worked closely with the director to shape the emotional rhythm of the film — refining pacing, smoothing continuity, and helping lock the final cut. Getting to work on Yellow Balloon still doesn’t feel real. When Summer first reached out, I genuinely thought it was a scam — which only speaks to how rare and special this kind of project and crew is. Never in a million years did I think I’d get to work with a Vietnamese-American team on something this meaningful.<3

Yellow Balloon is currently screening at multiple film festivals, including Diversity in Cannes Short Film, the Houston AAPI Film Festival, with more to come.

Director/Exec.Producer/Co-Writer: Summer Luu 
Co-Writer/Script Supervisor: Olyvia Chac-Nguyen

PRODUCERS UNIT & PRODUCTION STAFF
Producer: Stephanie Duong
Production Coordinators: Caroline Weaver, Melina Coumas

ART DEPARTMENT / SET DESIGN & DRESSING
Creative Director: Jordan Hoagbin
Art Director: Angela Nguyen
Designer: Phuong Sen
Production Designer: Sara Luu
Wardrobe/Prop Stylist: Uyen Nguyen
Set/Prop Assist: Skylar Nguyen

MAKEUP & HAIR
Key Make-Up Artist: Mattie Ngo

CAMERA DEPARTMENT
Director of Photography: Daniel Nim
1st Assistant Camera: Kayla Caldeira
2nd Assistant Camera/BTS Photo: Bang Nguyen
Super16mm Film Camera Operator: Duncan O'Bryan
BTS Photographers: Christine Dong, Angie Keam, Bang Nguyen, Ryan Mooney, Summer Luu
BTS Photographer/Production Assistant: Jordan Nguyen

GRIP & ELECTRIC DEPARTMENT
Key Gaffer: Kevin Bui
Best Boy Gaffer: Jason Lee
Key Grip: Abigail Anastacio

PRODUCTION SOUND
Sound Mixer: Kai Pacifico, Kai Tillman, Jebari Dean

POST PRODUCTION
Sound Supervisor & Music Composer: Joshua Le
Editor: Summer Luu
Finishing Editor: Margie Nguyen
Colorist: Gabi Bucataru