Lloyd Lee Choi’s film adaptation, “Lucky Lu”, will begin filming in New York City later this year.

Based on Choi’s live-action short, “ Same Old,” “Lucky Lu” tells the story of a Chinese delivery driver in New York City who discovers his e-bike has been stolen. With his family arriving after many years apart, Lu must face a community that has turned its back on him while he attempts to replace the only thing that will keep his family financially secure.

Taiwanese actor Chang Chen (“Dune”) has been cast to play the titular character. Nina Yang Bongiovi , Destin Daniel Cretton , Ron Najor, Jeyun Munford, Asher Goldstein and Tony Yang are on board as producers.

Speaking at Gold House’s A Filmmaker’s Creative & Financing Journey during Sundance Film Festival Asia, Bongiovi discussed the financial path behind “Lucky Lu.” She said, “Navigating film financing is always an emotional rollercoaster. But when you have a stellar team of producers alongside a visionary director, you can build together and overcome challenges, with the ultimate goal of sharing a meaningful story with audiences worldwide. It’s a fulfilling and rewarding process to launch a talent [like Lloyd] into the feature film world.”

“Same Old” premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, competing for the Palme d’Or, and also screened at TIFF, New York Film Festival, and Raindance, where it won best short film. For “Lucky Lu,” Choi, making his feature directorial debut, said “Securing financing for any independent film is a significant hurdle, especially for a first-time feature filmmaker. However, this film has come together in the best way imaginable, with a dream team of producers who have both inspired and made this project a reality.”

In addition to Cretton and Bongiovi serving as producers, the production is also supported by Gold House’s Creative Equity Fund, established to build upon the parent company’s existing programs for up-and-coming filmmakers by investing in independent films and media companies, recently supporting Sean Wang’s “Dìdi.”

Christine Yi, General Partner, Gold House Creative Equity Fund, stated, “‘Lucky Lu’ is a perfect example of Gold House’s mission: effectively blending critically acclaimed narratives with commercial appeal while advancing our culture together.”

Choi, a participant in the Gold House 2022 Film Fellowship, represents a full circle moment for the company
that co-produced Choi’s short film “Closing Dynasty.”

Yi expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “To bring ‘Lucky Lu’ to life alongside long-time Gold House partners like Nina Yang Bongiovi and Destin Daniel Cretton. Every filmmaker’s journey is unique, requiring time and support to thrive. It is a privilege to be a part of Lloyd’s journey.”

Cretton’s production company, Hisako Film Lab, will partner with Significant Productions to bring the project to life.