Alex Song-Xia, a multi-talented filmmaker, writer, and actor, recently debuted his short film “Really Good Driver” at the HollyShorts Film Festival. The film explores the relationship between an Asian American mother and her adult child as they navigate the challenges of learning how to drive. Song-Xia, who wrote, directed, and starred in the film, draws on his own experiences and inspirations to bring this story to life. With a background in comedy, including writing for popular TV shows like Rick and Morty and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Song-Xia brings a unique lens to his directorial debut.
“Really Good Driver” may seem like a simple story about a driving lesson on the surface, but it delves much deeper into themes of acceptance, self-worth, and toxic relationships. The film unfolds into a rich tapestry of emotions and experiences, drawing from Song-Xia’s personal life. The driving lesson serves as a catalyst for the characters to confront past tensions and unresolved issues, creating a powerful and thought-provoking narrative.
Song-Xia shares that the film is largely autobiographical, based on his own experiences with his mother and coming out as an adult. The themes of identity, family dynamics, and the aftermath of coming out are central to the film’s narrative. By exploring these complex and often difficult topics, Song-Xia challenges traditional storytelling tropes and offers a fresh perspective on queer narratives.
When discussing the need for more stories focused on the aftermath of coming out, Song-Xia reflects on the evolving landscape of queer storytelling. He notes that while there is still a place for coming out stories, there is also a growing cultural understanding of queer experiences. By shifting the focus to what happens after the initial coming out, storytellers like Song-Xia are able to explore new aspects of identity, relationships, and personal growth.
Song-Xia’s approach to storytelling reflects a broader trend in media towards more diverse and inclusive narratives. By centering underrepresented voices and experiences, filmmakers like Song-Xia are pushing boundaries and challenging stereotypes in storytelling.
As a writer for fictional TV shows and now a director of his own short film, Song-Xia reflects on his creative journey and the process of making decisions as a filmmaker. He acknowledges the shift from working for others to taking the lead on his own projects, finding his own voice and vision in the process. Through this transition, Song-Xia discovers a newfound sense of agency and confidence in his creative choices.
By exploring different forms of media and consuming a diverse range of content, Song-Xia continues to expand his creative horizons and draw inspiration from various sources. From dark humor to poignant documentaries, his eclectic tastes inform his own storytelling style and creative process.
In “Really Good Driver,” Song-Xia not only explores his own experiences but also delves into the perspectives of the characters, particularly the relationship between the mother and child. Through collaboration with Keiko Agena, who portrays the mother in the film, Song-Xia gains a deeper understanding of both characters and the complexities of their dynamic. By fleshing out the characters and allowing for nuance and depth, Song-Xia creates a more authentic and relatable story that resonates with audiences.
As Song-Xia continues to evolve as a filmmaker, writer, and actor, his commitment to authenticity, diversity, and personal growth shines through in his work. “Really Good Driver” is a testament to his talent and vision, offering a fresh and compelling take on identity, relationships, and the power of storytelling.
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