In the spirit of the Lunar New Year's familial warmth and celebratory traditions, popular streaming platform GagaOOLala has unveiled its “2024 Lunar New Year Watch List.”
The carefully curated selection of films not only encapsulates the essence of love and diversity but also stands as a testament to the platform's commitment to delivering exceptional, award-winning content.
(Photos from GagaOOLala)
The movies, streaming worldwide, weave narratives that go beyond the ordinary, exploring profound themes of familial bonds, self-discovery, and societal expectations.
From the gripping saga of "Dear Tenant" to the raw authenticity of "Straight A," each film on the list serves as a powerful reminder of the universal human experiences that connect us all.
As audiences delve into this cinematic feast, they will experience stories that not only mirror the sentiments of Lunar New Year festivities but also transcend cultural boundaries.
Many of these films have earned acclaim at prestigious film festivals, solidifying their status as not just entertaining but critically lauded works of art.
GagaOOLala is inviting global audiences to join in the triumphant celebration of love and diversity this Lunar New Year, embracing the opportunity to experience the captivating narratives of these award-winning films, available for streaming now.
Here are the top picks:
Dear Tenant | (2020) | Taiwan
Synopsis: For the past five years, Lin has looked after the son (Yo-yu) and elderly mother (Mrs. Chou) of his deceased boyfriend (Li-wei), living together like a family. It is Lin's way of remembering Li-wei - by continuing to be in the life he once had and loving the people he once loved.
(Photos from GagaOOLala)
But when Mrs. Chou passes away, her other son (Li-gang) returns from overseas and discovers that Mrs. Chou's property was transferred to Yo-yu, who has been legally adopted by Lin.
Li-gang contacts the police, accusing Lin of killing his mother. As the ensuing investigation continues, more and more evidence mounts against Lin…
Awards & Selections: 2020 Golden Horse Awards Best Leading Actor; Best Supporting Actress and Best Original Film Score, 2020 Taipei Film Awards Best Leading Actor, 2020 Hong Kong International Film Festival
Available in: The Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, USA, Canada, Australia, France, Germany
Stream it now: https://www.gagaoolala.com/en/videos/2106/dear-tenant-2020
*Stream this free at not cost*
Straight A | (2016) | USA & Germany
Synopsis: Struggling with maintaining his same-sex long term relationship a secret and keeping up with his image of being the perfect straight-A son, Alex must face his father and tell him the truth about his sexuality.
(Photo from GagaOOLala)
☆ Drawn from real-life experiences, how does a gifted student come out of the closet to his conservative father?
☆ "I hope this short film can give a voice to many people!" The lead actor and screenwriter captures precious memories between father and son.
Awards & Selections: 2016 Out On Film Atlanta's LGBTQ Film Festival
Available in: Worldwide
Stream it now: https://www.gagaoolala.com/en/videos/3196/straight-a-2016
Firecracker | (2022) | USA
Synopsis: On the night of their anniversary in Beijing, a Chinese woman Annie Wang must decide whether to keep her Asian-American girlfriend Sam Lee a secret from her traditional family with the upcoming Chinese New Year, or dare to be her true self. Faced with pressure from Sam who's looking to take things to the next level, family pushing her to come home for the holidays and society that expects her to act a certain way, Annie's forced to figure out if there's a path forward for her in all this… or if she'll have to carve out her own.
(Photo from GagaOOLala)
☆ A girl who comes from a deeply conservative family faces the biggest hurdle in her life to date!
☆ Sponsored by Netflix, critics recommend it as "... the kind of short [where] you're left wanting so much more the second it ends."
Awards & Selections: 2022 Outfest Los Angeles LGBT Film Festival, 2022 Asian American International Film Festival, 2022 Seattle Queer Film Festival
Available in: Worldwide
Stream it now: https://www.gagaoolala.com/en/videos/3174/firecracker-2022
Like Father, Like Daughter | (2019) | Taiwan
Synopsis: Wen-de, a staunch defender of marrying for love in his youth, is now a father. On the day Taiwan passes its same-sex marriage law, he finds himself being hounded by local women trying to introduce a marriage partner for his daughter. Meanwhile, his daughter is at home, celebrating her recent engagement to her girlfriend. How will Wen-de face the challenge of modern views on love?
(Photos from GagaOOLala)
Awards & Selections: 2020 Taiwan Queer Film Festival, 2019 Taipei Golden Horse Film Festival
Available in: Worldwide
Stream it now: https://www.gagaoolala.com/en/videos/2675/like-father-like-daughter-2019
Komorebi | (2021) | Taiwan
Synopsis: Jhe-Ming returns to Tainan to celebrate his mother’s birthday. Currently in his thirties, single, and the only male heir to his family, Jhe-Ming’s unmarried situation always seems to be his mom's favorite topic. Throughout the years, he's tried to avoid the relationship conversation at all costs. But this time things are a bit different ─ he is finally married to a man he’s been with for 7 years. Should Jhe-Ming finally come clean to his mother?
(Photos from GagaOOLala)
☆ Featuring Lotus Wang, the ‘national gay mom’ in "Your Name Engraved Herein"
☆ Title song created and sung by out-and-proud lesbian songwriter Yu Pei-Jen (Jen Jen)
☆ Featuring Huang Guan-Zhi and Adam Lin as couple again after gay short film Little Man
Available in: Worldwide
Stream it now: https://www.gagaoolala.com/en/videos/2452/komorebi-2021
Stay with Me | (2023) | China
Synopsis: Su Yu, a high school student who lives a simple life with his father, faces a major change when his mother remarries a wealthy man, introducing him to his step-brother Wu Bi. Despite their initial differences—Su Yu being a cold and arrogant top student, while Wu Bi is an unreasonable underachiever—their relationship takes an unexpected turn after an accident. As they gradually warm up to each other, their bond grows stronger. However, when a heated fight arises, their true identities are revealed.
(Photos from GagaOOLala)
☆ From being at each other's throats to getting into each other's pants!
☆ Idol actors Jiong Min Zhang and Bin Xu go beyond family and friendship by showcasing a sweet but sadistic brotherly love.
☆ From the creators of "Addicted" and "One in a Hundred," experience the latest Danmei drama that delves into the depths of complicated relationships.
Available in: Worldwide excl. JP KR TH PH
Stream it now: https://www.gagaoolala.com/en/videos/3470/stay-with-me-2023-e01
Lucky Fish | (2022) | USA
Synopsis: Two Asian-American teenagers meet in the bathroom of a Chinese restaurant while having dinner with their families.
(Photo from GagaOOLala)
☆ The directorial debut by a young Chinese-American female director that visualizes the profound memories of childhood.
Awards & Selections: 2022 Champs-Elysées Film Festival Audience Award for Best American Short Film, 2022 Palm Springs International ShortFest Best LGBTQ+ Short, 2022 Inside Out Toronto LGBT Festival, 2022 Frameline Film Festival
Available in: Worldwide
Stream it now: https://www.gagaoolala.com/en/videos/3053/lucky-fish-2022