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The Commitment

2021 Online New England Film Festival Retrospective | NewEnglandFilm Discovery | Drama | Massachusetts | Watch Online Now

Robert and Ethan are an interracial gay couple fulfilling their dream of adopting a newborn baby. After they meet the expectant Asian birthmother, however, they receive a surprise that threatens their own relationship.

Film Details

Director: Albert M. Chan

Writer: Albert M. Chan

Year of Release: 2012

Running Time: 20:03

New England Connection: All of the cast and crew were New England locals at the time the film was made in 2012, and the film was shot in Boston, Norwell, and Needham.

Director(s) Bio:: Albert M. Chan is a Chinese-Canadian filmmaker and actor now based in the United States. Among his distinctions, he has been recognized by the National Film Board of Canada, is the recipient of a Puffin Foundation Grant, and was named a finalist for the prestigious Roy W. Dean Film Grant, awarded to films that are “unique and make a contribution to society…stories that can heal and enrich our lives.”

Albert wrote, directed, and produced his first film, FATE SCORES, an experimental silent film which was recognized by the National Film Board of Canada and acquired by Moving Images Distribution (formerly Canadian Filmmakers Distribution West) after a successful festival run. He directed and starred in his follow-up film, THE COMMITMENT, which screened at over 40 film festivals on six continents and won multiple awards, most notably edging out Oscar®-nominated MOONRISE KINGDOM to win a 2013 NASW Media Award. Albert’s third film, DESCENDANTS OF THE PAST, ANCESTORS OF THE FUTURE, stars Golden Globe®, Emmy®, and Drama Desk nominee Tina Chen and most recently won Best Screenplay and Best Actress at the 2015 NYC Downtown Short Film Festival. His latest narrative film, WELCOME TO THE WORLD, was shot on an iPhone in one continuous 7-minute take for less than $140, and has so far screened in over 50 festivals on six continents. Albert also directed, edited, and produced the documentary MAP FOR HEALTH, 25 YEARS OF ASIAN PRIDE, about a group of young people who banded together to help the largely neglected Asian-Pacific Islander population during the AIDS crisis in the early 90's, which premiered at the 2018 Boston Asian American Film Festival. Albert is currently developing science-based feature projects including INCARNATIONS as a writer and THE ELUCIDATION OF DR. PARK as a creative producer, the latter a collaboration with writer/director Alice Cox Neff.

Also an accomplished actor, Albert’s film and TV roles include GOTHAM (FOX), GIRLS (HBO), PATRIOTS DAY, 30 ROCK (NBC), LAW & ORDER SVU (NBC), BODY OF PROOF (ABC), GHOSTS OF GIRLFRIENDS PAST, THE MAKEOVER (ABC), and BROTHERHOOD (Showtime). He has been cast by directors such as Spike Lee, Greg Mottola, Henry Bromell, and Mark Waters to act opposite Kevin Bacon, Helen Hunt, Liev Schreiber, Julia Stiles, Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Garner, Justin Long, Larry David, Cybill Shepherd, and Mariska Hargitay.

http://www.AlbertMChan.com
http://www.ChanalProductions.com

Number of shooting days: 3

Camera Used: Canon EOS 5D Mark II

Editing software: Avid

Budget: $10,000

Financed by: Self-financed

For more information: https://www.thecommitmentmovie.com/