A Vietnamese refugee reunites with her brother in Texas. Now they navigate their new lives. | Home

» Subscribe for the world’s best short films: » Get some merch: Home is used with permission from Stephen Robinson. OMELETO ON SOCIAL Instagram: Twitter: Facebook: In the wake of the instability of the Vietnam War, Thuy has just arrived in Texas in the early 80s, an immigrant and refugee. She’s joining her brother Thanh, who arrived in the region before her and is now a fisherman in Port Arthur. Both siblings are trying to find their way in a new world, where they often feel overwhelmed. But as Thuy tries to find her footing and her place in this strange new life, she discovers the key may be in the roots of her former home. Directed by Stephen Robinson, co-directed by Eric Pham and written by A.J. Johnson, this immersive, compelling short drama chronicles the journey of two siblings who have fled their war-torn country to start their lives over in a very different place from where they grew up. Told primarily through the sister’s eyes, Thuy is a fish out of water, overwhelmed by her displacement and adapting to a new home. But she is eager to rebuild her life, full of energy and initiative and wants to get to work right away. Starting with a scene of Thuy being interviewed by immigration, the film has a gently naturalistic look and feel, capturing the unique rhythms and features of this corner of Texas and the strangeness that Thuy feels in it. There’s also the slight distance between a brother and sister getting reacquainted after a long time apart, as well as the comments and looks they get as outsiders to the culture they’re now in. The storytelling carefully tracks key moments as Thuy settles into her new life, with gentle pacing and attentiveness to her feelings and consciousness. Through it all, Thuy shows a sense of initiative and pluckiness, and actor Nhan Le conveys both Thuy’s hesitancy and apprehension but also her innate determination. She and her brother sell sandwiches in a parking lot to the other fishermen that Thanh works with to make extra money, but she takes it upon herself to start serving the shrimp fried rice they make for themselves, which proves popular to other Vietnamese immigrant workers in the area, selling quickly. But the crowds draw the ire of other merchants and business owners, who demand they leave unless they get the necessary permits. But it also gives the pair the push to pursue their dream of owning a restaurant. Warm, gentle and observant, “Home“ has the aesthetics of classic Americana in many ways, from the warm natural vistas of Texas to the homespun musical score. The siblings’ story is also a very American one, of people starting over and rebuilding a life with nothing much more than their hard work, courage and resilience. They eventually find success and stability, but it’s not just in terms of money -- it’s also in how they’ve managed to hold onto their homeland while contributing to their new home in a meaningful way. ABOUT OMELETO Omeleto is the home of the world’s best short films. We showcase critically-acclaimed filmmakers from the Oscars, Sundance, Cannes and more! Subscribe now: A Vietnamese refugee reunites with her brother in Texas. Now they navigate their new lives. | Home Omeleto @Omeleto 🎬 Got a film? Submit it to us for consideration at