Jackie Spafford
By Jackie Spafford
Jerry Hsu is a Taiwanese-American man in his 70s, enjoying his retirement in Orlando and with three grown sons and a friendly ex-wife. One day he receives a phone call from China threatening to cut off his cell phone and warning him that he is in danger of being arrested and deported on money laundering charges. After several desperate calls he is informed by Chinese law enforcement agents that he can avoid arrest if he aids them in the money laundering investigation. The first step is to transfer $25,000 to a bank account in California. And he must not mention this to anyone.
Red flags everywhere! But Jerry is convinced he is helping solve a crime and saving his own bacon. For weeks he has many clandestine calls with the agents, who sound professional and knowledgeable yet also speak on a personal level with him, asking about his family, etc. He is fully engaged and committed.
It is not fair to explain how the rest of the story unfolds, or what ultimate penalty Jerry pays – it really does evolve like an espionage thriller, and there are plenty of surprises.
The inventive format of the film could best be labelled “docu-fiction.” It is a documentary in parts, with unscripted scenes and archival clips, but also much of it is a re-enactment of the period when Jerry was involved with Chinese law enforcement. Jerry himself recounted each conversation in great detail, allowing them to be portrayed accurately. He is credited as the screenwriter, and also elected to play himself.
The film is director Law Chen’s first feature, and it is an impressive debut. Last month it played at the Slamdance film festival and won the Documentary Feature Grand Jury Prize, the Audience Award for Documentary Feature, and the Slamdance Acting Award to Jerry Hsu.
Jerry joined family members and the director for the post-screening Q&A, and graciously answered audience questions. He is an endearing person, and very generous in sharing his story.
The 38th Santa Barbara International Film Festival runs through February 18. Official events including screenings, filmmaker Q&As, industry panels, and celebrity tributes, will be held throughout the city, including at the historic Arlington Theatre. Passes and tickets are on sale now at .
