Asian-American Family Drama ‘The Harvest' Acquired by Freestyle Digital Media, Trailer Unveiled (EXCLUSIVE)
'The Harvest,' a semi-finalist in both the CAPE x Black List and Academy Nicholl Fellowship competitions, tells the story of Thai, who returns to Southern California after years in San Francisco only to face his estranged family, including a father battling kidney failure. The narrative explores the complexities of generational trauma, identity, and familial bonds within a traditional, male-centered household.
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Helmed by director Caylee So, whose previous work 'In the Life of Music' served as Cambodia's official Oscar submission, the film stars writer Doua Moua ('Gran Torino,' 'Mulan'), alongside Perry Yung ('Warrior,' 'The Knick'), Dawn Ying Yuen ('Forge'), Chrisna Chhor, and Lucas Velazquez ('100 Dias Para Enamorarnos').
The festival darling, which world premiered at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, has built momentum through screenings at Outfest Fusion, CAAMFest, and the Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival. Its growing trophy shelf includes the Audience Award at the Seattle Asian-American Film Festival and a Special Jury Award at the Cambodian International Film Festival, alongside a nomination for the Anti Defamation League Stand Up Award.
''The Harvest' stands as a heartfelt tribute to resilience and the delicate threads of family and identity,' said So. 'My hope is that audiences will see their own stories reflected in ours and feel uplifted by the strength and beauty of our shared humanity.'
Moua, pulling double duty as both writer and star, added: 'It's about what we inherit, the love and the wounds, and how we make peace with both. There's a quiet stillness to the pain we carry in families, and my hope is that 'The Harvest' resonates with anyone who has ever questioned their place in a family or longed to be seen.'
The film was produced by John Houselog and Moua, with executive producers including Yoson An ('Mulan,' 'Shadow Force'), Money Vang, Jaeson Ma, Eric Tu, and Tenten Wei from EST Studios. Freestyle Digital Media negotiated the acquisition with Wei and Sophie Shi of EST Studios.
EST Studios, founded in 2022 by Jaeson Ma ('Stampede Ventures,' '88rising') and Eric Tu ('Vice,' 'Anonymous Content'), focuses on bringing Asian stories to international audiences. Their recent projects include the Oscar-shortlisted 'Hidden Letters' and the Toronto-selected 'K-Pops!' directed by eight-time Grammy winner Anderson.Paak. The studio is also behind 'Pabrik Gula,' Indonesia's highest-grossing film of 2025, which hits U.S. theaters on April 18.
The acquisition adds to Freestyle Digital Media's growing catalog of independent films, which includes 'Allswell in New York' starring Emmy winner Liza Colón-Zayas ('The Bear'), 'All Happy Families' with Josh Radnor and Rob Huebel, and 'Survive' featuring 'Game of Thrones' star Sophie Turner alongside Corey Hawkins.
'The Harvest' will be available to rent or own on all North American digital HD internet, cable, and satellite platforms, as well as on home video formats, starting June 20.
Watch the trailer here:
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