Kickstarter Premiere Launch

Dear Friends,

I’m writing to share something deeply personal and meaningful to me—a dream I’ve poured my heart into that is finally coming to life.

“It all started with a button…”

That one little spark has now grown into Surf Soup, a whimsical animated short born from my Emmy-honored work in television and a lifetime of storytelling. It’s rooted in creativity, culture, imagination—and a message of unity I believe the world needs more of right now.

I'm currently launch phase of my Kickstarter, and as I take this leap, I'm reaching out to a few people I admire and trust to ask for your encouragement, support, or simply help in spreading the word when the time comes.

Your belief in me would mean the world—whether it's backing the project later, sharing it with your community, or just sending a note of support. This project is a piece of my soul, and I’m honored to invite you into the journey.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking a moment to read this. I truly appreciate you.

Warmly,

Donna Kay Lau

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/surfsoup/surf-soup-buttons-an-asian-american-animated-short

🎬 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.

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.