daly city

Daly City is an autobiographical short film that examines themes of exoticism, assimilation and the model minority myth, through a playful tale about an Indonesian boy and his mother who pretend that Chinese takeout is actually a traditional family dish at a potluck in order to impress the largely white church community. The boy’s mother teaches him how to maneuver, perform and captivate in order to gain acceptance. But later that night, after witnessing his father getting ridiculed by his co-workers, the boy learns that this behavior can come at a cost; you can end up losing your culture, your sense of worth and even your very name. Starring Jett Automo, Michelle Lukiman, and Kaidy Kuna.

Written & Directed by Nick Hartanto
Cinematography: Guido Raimondo
Casting Direction: Christian Bustamante
Production Design: Stephanie Gancayco
Costume Design: Kara Fabella
Produced by Clara Peterson

Awards and Nominations:

- 2025 Winner, Audience Award, Nitehawk Shorts Festival
- 2025 Winner, Grand Prize, Indonesian Film Festival Australia Short Film Competition
- 2025 Winner, Best Short Film, Cinema at Sea Okinawa Pan-Pacific International Film Festival
- 2024 Winner, Best Short and Best Actor: Jett Automo, Revolution Me Film Festival
- 2024 Nominee, Best Narrative Short, Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival
- 2024 Nominee, Oscar-Qualifying Best Narrative Short, Woodstock Film Festival
- 2024 Nominee, Oscar-Qualifying Best Short Film, Hawai’i International Film Festival

Official Selection: