We caught up with talented producer Scott Aharoni to talk to him about WE ARE KINGS which premieres at Tribeca Film Festival. WE ARE KINGS shares a story of two first generation young immigrant teenagers, Lin (Kenny Ridwan) and best friend Walid (Mahi Alam), sneak into Lin’s mother’s Chinese restaurant to burn pirate DVDs they can sell at school. Lin is caught off guard when his high school crush walks in and is soon drawn into her world of rebellion. Frank Sun captures the weight of cultural assimilation through a coming-of-age lens, offering a quiet, tender look into the young immigrant experience of trying to fit in. 

What initially drew you to Frank Sun’s script for WE ARE KINGS, and what made you want to champion this particular story?

What drew me to Frank’s script for WE ARE KINGS was the authenticity of the story, paired with the unique way it was told. It’s deeply rooted in Frank’s own experience growing up as a third culture kid in North Carolina, and the nuances that come with that. But what really set it apart was how fresh it felt – right from the start! The film opens up with Lin and Walid preparing to pirate some “special” DVDs in a Chinese restaurant — a quirky, unconventional way to set the tone for the entire film. It’s this combination of raw honesty and originality that made me want to champion the story. The themes of identity and belonging are universal, and making intimate, authentic stories easily accessible is something I truly love doing with filmmaking.

What drew me to Frank’s script for WE ARE KINGS was the authenticity of the story

Frank Sun has a very distinct voice rooted in cultural identity and assimilation. How did you work with him as a producer to maintain the authenticity of his vision while shaping the film for a broader audience?

For me, it started with really listening to Frank — understanding where the story came from and why it mattered to him. From there, it wasn’t about changing his voice for a broader audience, but finding the parts of his experience that could connect with anyone, anywhere. We worked closely together to make sure every choice stayed true to him while making the film as emotionally accessible as possible.

This short captures such a delicate emotional atmosphere. From a producer’s standpoint, how do you help create the conditions for that intimacy and honesty on set?

I focus on building trust, but also on building excitement. If people feel safe and energized, they show up ready to give their all — and that’s when the real magic happens.

Was there a particular scene or moment during filming that you immediately knew was going to be especially powerful for audiences?

Without giving anything away, there’s a particular moment in the film that really hit me. It’s a scene where Lin, played by Kenny Ridwan, has this quiet moment where he looks through a small window in a door, right toward the camera. There’s something about that shot — the way it’s framed, the intensity in his gaze — that absolutely rocked me. I knew at that moment that this film was going to be something powerful for audiences to watch. It’s a subtle moment, but it carries so much weight, and I could feel that it was going to have an impact.

Given your current work on larger features and high-profile projects, what draws you back to producing shorts like WE ARE KINGS?

Shorts are where I started, and honestly, they’ll always have a special place for me. No matter how big the projects get, shorts remind me why I fell in love with storytelling in the first place — they force you to be bold, precise, and creative with limited time and resources. High-profile projects are incredible and I am so grateful to have been a part of them, but without the foundation I built through shorts, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Every short I work on teaches me something new, sharpens my instincts, and pushes me to stay hungry and curious. That’s a mindset I want to carry with me no matter how big the canvas gets.

Shorts are where I started, and honestly, they’ll always have a special place for me

Were there any unique challenges you faced during the production of WE ARE KINGS, given the film’s setting in a working Chinese restaurant and its youthful cast?

Finding the right cast for WE ARE KINGS was absolutely imperative. The subtle quirkiness, awkwardness, and nuanced drama of the characters required actors who could truly capture that complexity. We couldn’t rush the casting process — it was vital to take the time to find the right people who could bring these roles to life with authenticity. The cast we ended up with was amazing; they really brought it home and gave the film its heart. But, like with any project, casting is always such a tough thing — you have to get it just right, and it’s never easy.

The subtle quirkiness, awkwardness, and nuanced drama of the characters required actors who could truly capture that complexity.

Tribeca is a major platform, especially for short films aiming for wider recognition. How important is a premiere like this for a short film’s life, and what are your hopes for WE ARE KINGS beyond the festival?

Tribeca holds a really special place in my heart — it was a turning point in my career, and it’s where I saw the kind of recognition that can truly propel a filmmaker. It’s not just a festival, it’s a place where you feel seen, and where stories can find their audience in a meaningful way. A premiere like this can open so many doors for a short film, not just in terms of recognition but in building real momentum for everyone involved. For WE ARE KINGS, my hope is that it reaches the audiences who need to see it most — and that it sparks more opportunities for Frank and the entire team to keep telling the kinds of stories that matter.

Tribeca holds a really special place in my heart — it was a turning point in my career, and it’s where I saw the kind of recognition that can truly propel a filmmaker.

Frank Sun is clearly a rising talent. Do you foresee continuing to collaborate with him on future projects, perhaps even his first feature?

Absolutely. Frank is such a rising talent, and his vision is something really special. I have no doubt that when he makes his first feature, it’s going to be incredible. As his friend and collaborator, I’ll be there to support him however I can. I’m excited to see his voice continue to grow and make an impact, and I’ll be watching closely every step of the way.