Pak Choi is a 10–12 minute heartfelt dramedy in collaboration with the NHS, exploring grief, loneliness, and the quiet beauty of human connection. When Gary, a withdrawn widower, reluctantly joins a Men’s Shed gardening group, a comical rivalry with Li, a reserved Chinese gardener, slowly blossoms into an unexpected friendship. Through gentle humour and surreal memories of his late wife, Gary begins to rediscover warmth, purpose, and belonging. Set in Birmingham, the film uses the shared act of gardening—and the humble Pak Choi— as a symbol of healing, heritage, and community.
After the death of his wife, Gary, a 60-year-old widower, shuts himself off from the world. When his overfriendly neighbour Harry persuades him to join a local Men’s Shed gardening group, Gary reluctantly attends—only to clash with Li, a quiet Chinese man protective of his crops. Their silent feud over garden space escalates into chaos when Gary accidentally destroys Li’s pak choi plant. The confrontation triggers memories of Gary’s late wife and their shared love of gardening, pushing him to finally face his grief. In the end, Gary visits Li with a home-cooked pak choi dish—a wordless apology that rekindles a sense of compassion and connection.
The Team Chi Lam - Director / Writer / Producer
Chi Lam
"Hi there! I’m Chi! Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been hooked on storytelling. I spent my childhood in theatre and film clubs, making silly YouTube videos with friends and loving every minute of it. By 16, I found myself on professional film sets, soaking up all the experience I could, and eventually, I started my own production company, Chi Lam Pictures. So far, we’ve produced projects like Noir!, The Ranger, and Big Man, all of which reflect my love for quirky indie comedies. Right now, I’m studying Screen Acting at MetFilm School London and recently completed my BA. Alongside my studies, I’ve gained experience on award winning features like Cookster: The Darkest Days (Best Crime Feature LIFFF), Dig Me No Grave (screened at Marché du Film, Cannes), and Thirteen Cars (releasing 2025, starring Vas Blackwood and Tamzin Outhwaite). I’m also collaborating with BBC producer Radley Russell on a new web series, and developing a heartfelt short film with the NHS.
I’ve performed on stage with New Earth Theatre at the Birmingham Hippodrome, and my comedic style draws from awkward, offbeat icons like Michael Cera, Steve Carell, and Richard Ayoade. I’m especially drawn to character-driven projects like The Office, Community, IT Crowd, and Superbad—stories that mix sharp writing with weird, lovable characters. Outside of acting, I’m a bit of a multi-hyphenate: I hold a Grade 8 Musical Theatre (LCM) certificate and Grade 5 Violin (ABRSM), and I speak Cantonese fluently while currently learning Mandarin. I’ve worked with charities like the British Heart Foundation and the Octavia Foundation, which keep me grounded and connected to the community. I’m all about creating, connecting, and telling stories that are heartfelt, honest, and a little bit weird. Whether it’s through acting, writing, or filmmaking, I’m here to bring something new to the screen—and I can’t wait to see where this journey goes next! "
Amber Westgate - Producer Amber
Is a London-based producer and actor who graduated from MetFilm School London. As a sharp creative with an instinct for detail, a relentless drive for excellence (and a slightly concerning number of colour-coded spreadsheets), Amber thrives at the intersection of storytelling and logistics — and loves bringing bold, heartfelt ideas to life. Her recent producing credits include Tipsy Badger, a 6-part dramedy web series inspired by her own chaotic adventures in hospitality. Amber created, executive produced, and starred in the series, proving once and for all that sleep is optional when you're a filmmaker. She also produced the absurdist short A Monday in Knightsbridge, which has been doing the rounds on the festival circuit this year, picking up several special mentions along the way. As both a producer and an actor, Amber brings knowledge from both sides of the camera to every project. Amber is currently appearing in a new comedy pilot being pitched to the BBC later this year.
Amber is passionate about creating work that matters. Beyond her own creative work, Amber is dedicated to making the industry more accessible. She heads the youth section of the London Breeze Film Festival, where she has expanded outreach and engagement for two consecutive years, championing inclusion and creating space for new voices. She also sits on the UK Shorts shortlisting panel for the festival. Amber is especially excited to bring the grounded, soulful story of Pak Choi to life. It’s a story that resonates with her love for character driven narratives that are both emotionally honest and socially conscious. For her, it’s the kind of project which reminds you why you got into the industry in the first place. With her proven track record of delivering high quality work - as well as her encyclopedic knowledge of what makes a great snack table - Amber is looking forward to helping Pak choi grow from the page to screen - roots, shoots and all.
Radley Russell - Associate Producer
Radley has a strong background working in Drama & Documentary in TV, Film & Theatre - having produced over 100 hours of television & film. His production have become successful on RTS, BAFTA & Soaps Award Winning TV Shows, with over ten years proven track record of delivering quality programmes - quick turn around on projects with budgets of all sizes, developing strong relationships with important famous key players, setting up shows from lifting it off the paper that goes straight to being surrounded by lights/cameras & working with small confidential crews, as well as the larger studio drama set ups. Radley has worked for three of the major UK broadcasters in production as well as some independent production companies - BBC, ITV Studios, Channel 4 and is always working in development with a little black book of connections within the talented Writers, Producers and Commissioners. Some Producer roles at the BBC - Doctors, EastEnders, Hustle, Line of Duty, White Van Man and many more. Documentaries such as, Saving the High Street, Student Loan Scandal, The Police Dirty Secret and many more. Radley is often a guest lecturer at Universities and Conferences across the UK. He formally sat on the board of The Birmingham Rep Theatre Company. And is an accomplished host, panellist and speaker.
" Why I want to be part of Pak Choi?? - the name gives it away really … it’s a fantastically/beautifully written concept of a mini TV Drama (short story) for screen (and potentially stage). But also as well the idea around focusing on the older generation and it’s Mental Health, plus highlighting a really important part of our ethnicity within the community, it just gives you that real boost & eager to want to be apart of such an exciting creation, on a very poignant project that has been born out of real life stories. I love the whole idea behind the concept - that we want to aim to reach the whole audience within the NHS and those of Chinese Heritage (who often gets missed out a lot on British screen). But also having that opportunity to work together as an Associate Producer, alongside other superb talent folks, to get it all created (lifted off the page) - which will be done via visual, computer animation, sound/music and the really big importance of that engagement interaction with the 4th wall of that being the audience at home or within the NHS. It’s magical and exciting at the same time. And I’m looking forward to coming onboard as an Associate Producer."
Core Characters
Gary Smith A 60-year-old widower who has retreated into grief, guilt, and self neglect. He is quiet, resistant, and closed off— but under the surface lies someone deeply wounded by love lost and life unfulfilled.
Susan Smith Gary’s late wife. She was the light to his shadow: playful and full of life. Though no longer alive, her presence lingers in Gary’s memories and regrets.
Li An older Chinese man who tends the garden daily. Stoic, private, and emotionally repressed—but his love for Pak Choi and his late wife runs deep
Birmingham Chinatown Business Association
The Birmingham Chinatown Business Association (BCTBA) is a non profit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting businesses within Birmingham's vibrant Chinatown district. The BCTBA serves as a vital link between the local Chinese community, businesses, and the wider public, fostering cultural exchange and economic growth. It organises cultural events, facilitates networking opportunities, and advocates for the interests of Chinatown businesses, while also celebrating the rich heritage and contributions of the Chinese community in Birmingham. Through its efforts, the BCTBA helps maintain the area's reputation as a key destination for authentic Chinese culture, cuisine, and commerce.
Mental Health Focus
Pak Choi sheds light on the pervasive issue of loneliness among the elderly, especially those without children. As life expectancy increases, more older adults are living alone, often facing isolation after the loss of a partner or due to declining social circles.
Loneliness in Numbers:
In the UK, over 1.4 million older people are chronically lonely, with more than half of those aged 75+ living alone . This isolation can have severe mental and physical health impacts, increasing the risk of depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline.
Infertility and Loneliness:
For older adults like Gary, who were unable to have children, the absence of familial support intensifies feelings of isolation. Studies show that childless seniors are 25% more likely to experience loneliness compared to those with children .
Mental Health Implications:
Research from Age UK indicates that loneliness increases the likelihood of depression and is associated with a 29% increase in the risk of early death . Addressing these issues through storytelling, like in Pak Choi, can encourage more open discussions and awareness around the mental health struggles of the elderly. Pak Choi highlights the emotional toll of this often-overlooked issue, while also offering a hopeful narrative of human connection and the power of unexpected friendships.
Why This Film Is Important
Pak Choi is more than a story about loneliness—it’s an emotionally raw exploration of grief, memory, and the quiet unraveling of a man left behind by life. It confronts themes often avoided in media: elder male mental health, miscarriage, and the lifelong ache of unresolved loss.
Surreal Honesty Through Storytelling:
Where previous versions leaned on realism, this new version embraces a more surreal, symbolic truth. The mysterious Young Man is not just a character—he is memory, regret, and unspoken trauma made flesh. His presence challenges Gary’s worldview and invites the audience into a deeper emotional journey.
Cultural and Generational Representation:
By placing a British-Chinese actor at the heart of the story, Pak Choi highlights underrepresented identities—without reducing them to stereotypes. It also delicately touches on the pressures of family, legacy, and identity within Asian communities, particularly around unspoken grief.
Mental Health Relevance:
The story is embedded with quiet but clear signs of mental health decline: self-neglect, hallucination, emotional withdrawal, and existential disconnection. By showing these through Gary’s lens, the film offers a vulnerable, relatable portrait of someone falling through the cracks—and the subtle grace of being pulled back.
Redefining Healing and Connection:
The film reminds us that healing doesn’t always arrive in the form of perfect closure or grand gestures. Sometimes, it looks like a stranger appearing in your garden. Sometimes, it’s just planting something—anything—and letting it grow. Through its poetic realism, diverse casting, and deeply personal tone, Pak Choi invites viewers to reflect on the meaning of connection, and the quiet moments that bring us back to life.
Our Vision
Pak Choi is a film about the quiet, surreal moments that define grief, healing, and human connection. Our vision is to create a story that feels deeply personal yet universally resonant—a meditation on memory, mental health, and what it means to be left behind.
Truthful and Poetic Storytelling:
We aim to tell stories that speak to the emotional truths we often hide. By using surreal elements—like the symbolic presence of a miscarried son—we can explore the unspoken, unresolved layers of grief that many people carry but rarely express.
Championing Mental Health Awareness Through Art:
This film doesn’t lecture—it empathizes. It shows what early-stage mental health decline can look like in the elderly, and how even the smallest interaction can break through the fog. Our goal is to create emotional impact that lingers long after the film ends.
A Voice for the Underrepresented:
Through the character of The Young Man and our own casting, Pak Choi uplifts British East Asian voices and explores themes of cultural silence, intergenerational trauma, and legacy. These are stories rarely seen on screen, told with care and authenticity.
Balancing Stillness, Humour, and Heart:
We want Pak Choi to feel real but dreamlike. Quiet but moving. Grief is strange—it’s sad, awkward, absurd, and sometimes even funny. This film leans into that contradiction, finding softness in stillness and warmth in weirdness.
A Story That Stays With You:
At its core, Pak Choi is about choosing to plant something—literally and metaphorically—after life has left you barren. It’s a film about opening the door, even when you don’t want to. Our vision is to create a film that not only reaches people but helps them feel seen.
Distribution and Outreach
Our goal is to ensure that Pak Choi reaches a broad and diverse audience, using both digital platforms and traditional film circuits to maximize its impact:
YouTube Release:
We plan to release Pak Choi on YouTube to ensure it is easily accessible to a wide audience. YouTube’s vast reach will allow us to share the film with viewers across the globe, encouraging discussions on loneliness, friendship, and mental health. The platform’s accessibility makes it ideal for reaching older adults, younger viewers, and caregivers alike.
Film Festival Circuit:
Alongside the digital release, we aim to enter Pak Choi into prominent film festivals, including those known for highlighting independent films with social impact, such as:
Sundance Film Festival
Tribeca Film Festival
BFI London Film Festival
Raindance Film Festival
These festivals will provide visibility, credibility, and opportunities for networking, allowing the film to gain traction within the film industry and among audiences focused on meaningful, character-driven stories.
NHS Screenings:
In partnership with the NHS, we envision screenings at healthcare facilities, mental health centers, and community hubs. These screenings would include post-film discussions led by mental health professionals, offering a space to reflect on the themes of loneliness and connection, and provide resources for those in need of support. By integrating the film into NHS outreach, we can directly address the audience most affected by the issues presented in Pak Choi. By combining the accessibility of YouTube with the prestige of the festival circuit and the targeted outreach of NHS screenings, we aim to create a broad, lasting impact that raises awareness about loneliness and encourages meaningful conversations around mental health.
Closing
Pak Choi is a heartfelt exploration of loneliness, connection, and the healing power of friendship. Through its authentic portrayal of an unlikely bond, the film highlights issues that resonate deeply with many, particularly the elderly and isolated. With your support, we can bring this important story to life, raising awareness for mental health and creating a lasting impact on audiences through both digital platforms and community outreach. Thank you for considering Pak Choi—we look forward to working together to make a difference
