Road to the Oscar’s Surf Soup Animated Short Kickstarter
Help Kickstart Buttons
🎬 Surf Soup is Oscar-Qualifying — and I Need Your Help to Bring It to the Big Screen
My animated short film “Button” is officially set for an Oscar®-qualifying run this September in Hollywood. This deeply personal film, inspired by my grandfather’s journey through the Chinese Exclusion era, is already scheduled to premiere on Sunset in Hollywood! — but I need your help to make the full vision happen. From the red carpet event and promotional materials to festival outreach and community screenings, every contribution brings this dream to life. I’ve also created some awesome, heartfelt rewards to thank you for supporting this creative milestone. Let’s make Surf Soup history — together.
Help me with my Oscar Dreams-Kickstart Me!
💛 This is my moment — and I can’t do it without you.
If you believe in Surf Soup, in independent animation, and in stories that matter, please consider supporting this campaign. Your contribution — big or small — helps bring Button to the big screen and beyond.
👉 Click the link below to donate and claim your reward:
🎁 [Kickstarter Link Button Here]
Let’s ride this wave together. 🌊
An Asian American Legacy Told Through Animation
From Immigrant Struggles to Animated Dreams
Summary (Asian American + Legacy Focus):
Button is a hand-drawn animated short by Emmy-honored creator Donna Kay Lau. Inspired by her grandfather’s Chinese laundry and the struggles faced during the Chinese Exclusion Act, the film is a heartfelt tribute to the resilience of Asian American families. Through visual storytelling and cultural reflection, Button preserves intergenerational memory while celebrating the power of imagination and identity. The short is now qualifying for Oscar consideration with a theatrical premiere in Hollywood.
“Buttons” is a hand-drawn animated short by Emmy-honored animator and Surf Soup creator Donna Kay Lau. Inspired by her grandfather’s Chinese laundry and the history of the Chinese Exclusion Act, the film explores legacy, imagination, and the resilience of Asian American families. With a Hollywood premiere scheduled, “Buttons” is officially Oscar-qualifying. Learn more about the film and how you can support it below.
Support My Oscar-Qualifying Animated Short!
I'm Donna Kay Lau — Emmy-honored creator of Surf Soup. “Buttons” is my Oscar-qualifying animated short, and I need your support on Kickstarter today. For more info check out my launch page!