Alumni and students document cross-generational bonds in “Her Image”

BY JASON SHAN

“When I look at you, I see so much of myself. But so much of you is not in the image of me.”

This line from the closing scenes of “Her Image,” a short film with a crew including nine Lynbrook alumni and students, captures the heart of the narrative: Asian American mother Jenny Ma realizes that, although her daughter’s values may differ from her own, she still accepts and loves her for who she is.

The creation of “Her Image” began in the summer of 2022 when alumni Suanna Zhong and Austin Tong decided to collaborate on a passion project. Zhong drew from her personal experiences when brainstorming the plot, reflecting on her relationship with her mother. Following the idea’s conception, Zhong and Tong reached out to students in Lynbrook’s ASB Tech Commission and other alumni to help out.

“During production, I learned to give back by bringing people on the set and giving them this professional experience,” Tong said. “I hope the film inspires others to create their own stories through mediums

The title, “Her Image,” is captured through a prominent symbol in the film: a vintage camera. The title represents the multiple on this duality to underscore the crossgenerational understanding that the two protagonists come to at the end.

Miller teacher Betty Chan was cast as the mother, Jenny, and actress Alyssa So played the role of the daughter, Isabella. So applied through the online platform Backstage after reading the casting notice and was intrigued by how the themes paralleled her own experience in an immigrant family.

“A lot of students at Lynbrook have parents from different cultures, which is reflected in the film,” senior and director of photography Katie Chung said. “The conflicts you go through with parents are natural, but remember to always love each other.”

Small details in the set design help bring the film’s message alive. The outfits of every character was an extension of their inner personality: Isabella and her sister wear complementary colors to show their tightknit relationship while Jenny dresses in neutral-toned colors. The ending where Isabella and Jenny bake a pie together where Jenny cooks alone.

“Another theme in the film is looking up to your elders,” gaffer and grip Gio Cabaltica said. “During the film’s production, as the youngest member on set, I was looking up to Austin and Suanna who taught me so much.