'Simmer' is a short drama which follows our protagonist Sunny, a young kitchen hand who strives for a second chance on her parents’ cooking show in Hong Kong, protesting her older brother’s harsh truths about their parents.

Simmer is a Swinburne University Graduate Film being created by Honour year Students. The project deals with themes of family, tradition, food and connection. The film is set to go into production April 2025. 

Sunny Chan, a 20-year-old kitchen hand, is fired from her parents cooking show in Hong Kong. Returning to Melbourne, defeated, she plans to impress her parents by making Shao Mai from their cookbook. When her older brother Peter arrives home from managing the family restaurant, the two banter until Sunny reveals her intention of returning to Hong Kong. 

Peter dispels the harsh truth that her pursuit is pointless causing a heated argument. Peter pleads, attempting to get through to Sunny only to be interrupted by their Mum texting Sunny to call when available. Sunny continues preparing the dish, while a defeated Peter goes outside to smoke. 

Sunny calls her parents only for it to end shortly after their unsatisfied reaction to the dish. A forlorn Sunny joins Peter outside as the two quietly bond.

Claire Riverland | she/her 

Director & Co-Writer

Kristian josevski | he/him 

Producer

Matthew Cantone | he/him

Co-Writer

Angie Wong | she/her 

Director of Photography 

Abel Connors | he/him 

Editor 

Danielle Chan | she/her 

Production Designer

Olivier Savrimoutout | he/him 

Sound Designer & Recordist 

Simmer is looking to raise $5,000 to contirbute to the success of the project. All raised funds will go towards paying our actors, feeding our crew, props, costumes, set design, location hire fees, equipment and distrubtion. 

Any amount of money you are able to contirbute to our project will be immensly appreicated! We're so excited for Simmer to go into production and show off all the fun. hardwork and deciation from our cast and crew once it hits the BIG screen!