From Vision to the Oscars Shortlist: Our Journey With Justin “Rei” Ching and Shutterbird
One of the unexpected joys of building Hickory Falls Ventures as a family office is the freedom to invest not only in technology, frontier industries, and scalable platforms—but also in deeply human, creative projects that speak to who we are and what we value. In 2024, that path led us into the world of filmmaking, where we had the privilege of backing Shutterbird, a remarkable short film created by Justin “Rei” Ching.
This journey was championed especially by Hanna, whose lifelong love of film and deep appreciation for storytelling opened the door for us to explore this creative frontier more intentionally. Her belief in the power of cinema to move hearts and expand understanding helped guide our involvement with Shutterbird and made this partnership with Rei feel both natural and aligned with our family’s values. What began as her passion has become a shared experience—one that has enriched Hickory Falls Ventures in unexpected and meaningful ways.
We were introduced to Rei through our friend Dave Lu at Hyphen Capital—a tireless advocate for Asian American visibility, anti–AAPI hate, and elevating our community’s cultural presence and voice. Dave has long believed that Asian American stories deserve to be seen not as niche, but as part of everyday American life. After meeting Rei, it became immediately clear that he is one of the storytellers capable of bringing these truths to screen with honesty, nuance, and artistry.
What began as a modest involvement as co-producers soon grew into a deeper commitment. Rei’s vision, discipline, and courage made us believers. We eventually stepped in as executive producers—not because we expected a commercial return, but because we believed in the story, the storyteller, and the broader ecosystem of representation his work supports.
Today, we are thrilled to share that Shutterbird is officially in consideration for the Oscars shortlist in the Best Live Action Short Film category, with Academy voting happening this week. For an independent film created with heart and grit, it is a surreal and meaningful milestone.
A Film Rooted in Loss, Love, Identity — and Powerful Performances
Shutterbird follows two young outsiders — a troubled photographer and a juvenile delinquent — who dream of escaping their small farm-town in Santa Ynez Valley. It’s deeply personal, inspired by real loss and grief, but also artful, atmospheric, and haunted by memory.
The film stars Isabella Ferreira and Dallas Liu. Isabella brings emotional depth and sensitivity to her role, while Dallas delivers a performance marked by vulnerability and raw intensity — together, they anchor the film, giving life to its emotional core.
What makes Shutterbird particularly special is how it portrays the Asian American (and broader immigrant / working-class) experience authentically — not as a stereotype, but as a deeply human story. Identity shapes the characters, but it doesn’t confine them. The film is about grief, longing, hope, and the urgent need to escape physical and psychological limits. Described on the site it’s “a deeply personal coming-of-age story about a troubled young photographer and a recovering misfit who yearn to escape their farm town in Santa Ynez Valley.”
You can watch the short film at Vimeo or right here below:
A Filmmaking Journey Fueled by Purpose
Behind the scenes, Shutterbird was created with intention, care, and community. The project is fiscally sponsored by Film Independent — known for supporting indie storytellers who push boundaries and uplift underrepresented voices.
Working alongside Rei has been its own kind of education. While we weren’t present during the early stages of filmmaking, Rei has generously brought us into his world—helping us understand the creative process through our conversations, meetings, and the journey of preparing the film for audiences and awards consideration. Most of our hands-on experience has been in supporting the marketing and Oscars campaigning efforts, but through Rei’s openness and humility, we’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the heart, vulnerability, and complexity required to bring a story like this into the world.
Our Relationship With Rei — Humility, Creativity, and a Deep Sense of Trust
One of the greatest gifts of this experience has been getting to know Rei on a personal level. He is one of the rare creatives whose talent is matched by humility — someone who listens deeply, invites collaboration, and carries himself with a quiet confidence that centers the story rather than his ego. Rei allowed us to journey alongside him not just as financiers, but as partners in the emotional and creative process. He welcomed our questions, shared his vulnerabilities, and treated us with a sense of trust that is both grounding and inspiring. Supporting him has felt less like backing a project and more like walking with a friend as he brings something deeply personal into the world. It is a privilege we do not take lightly.
Why We Back Stories Like This
At Hickory Falls Ventures, our investment philosophy is rooted in two beliefs:
1. Great founders—and great creatives—shape the future.
Whether someone is building a satellite propulsion system, a next-gen AI platform, or a soul-stirring short film, the pattern is the same: exceptional people create meaningful things.
2. Representation is its own form of infrastructure.
Stories shape how communities see themselves and how they are perceived by others. Asian Americans — and all marginalized communities — deserve narratives that reflect our complexity, our resilience, our vulnerability, our humanity.
Shutterbird embodies that ideal. It is an emotionally resonant film made by a storyteller who understands that identity can inform a narrative without defining it. Rei, Isabella, Dallas, and the whole team show what is possible when underrepresented voices are empowered to tell deeply personal, profoundly human stories.
Hopeful, Realistic, and Grateful
Are we hopeful that Shutterbird will advance to the Oscar shortlist? Absolutely. Seeing the film—and its creators—recognized on a global stage would be deeply meaningful.
Are we grounded in reality? Of course. The Best Live Action Short Film category is fiercely competitive, filled with extraordinary work from around the world. Awards are never guaranteed.
But regardless of the outcome, this journey has already been deeply meaningful. Supporting Rei has allowed us to learn about the creative process, the power of storytelling, and the importance of representation. More importantly, it has allowed us to participate in something deeply human: helping bring a story of loss, hope, identity, and healing to audiences who may see themselves reflected in it — for the first time.
To Our Friends in the Academy
If you are an Academy member, we warmly encourage you to watch Shutterbird this week and consider it for your shortlist vote in the Best Live Action Short Film category.
It is a film made with care, courage, and conviction. Rei poured his heart into this story — and with Isabella and Dallas’s performances, it becomes something true, tender, and unforgettable. We believe it deserves to be seen.
Thank you for supporting storytellers who broaden our understanding of one another. That mission is at the heart of Shutterbird — and why we are so proud to stand behind it
