I just opened it in the parking lot…
I so closely connected with the character and with the story.
So, there were all of these things.
Ally Maki in ‘Seagrass’Courtesy of Melly Lee/Game Theory Films
It was just bringing up all of these feelings.
And you see that in Nyha and Remys characters in different ways.
The kids, too, are mocked by white children for their Asian features.
Ally Maki as “Judith” in ‘Seagrass’Game Theory Films
It does take place in the 90s.
Weve gotten questions at screenings in the past, why doesnt Judith say anything?
Or why doesnt anyone take the girls aside and explain it?
They didnt have thelanguagein the 90s, Maki said.
As for Steve, her husband in the film, Hes just thinking, Im a great guy.
How can I be racist?
Im married to you!
Maki grew up in Washington State, in an overwhelmingly white community.
You dont know what else to do, what do you do in that moment?
Seagrasspremiered at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival, where it won the FIPRESCI Prize.
Maki recalls almost being surprised by the realization, I can do drama?
