The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch
EntertainmentFilmThe Latest

Director Aimee Long Talks New Film ‘A Shot Through The Wall’

by Briana Boateng January 20, 2022
by Briana Boateng January 20, 2022 0 comments
2.6K

“A Shot Through The Wall ”, an upcoming film, showcases the aftermath of an accidental shooting of an African American man by a Chinese-American police officer

Mike Tan, main character in the film, played by Kenny Leu, portrays his fervent guilt he experiences when dealing with the consequences of his inexorable action. The shooting incident immediately hit social media and has erupted in news outlets that sparked protests throughout the film. The film portrays how Tan navigates the world of complicated media, by making an effort to save his image in a faultless manner, injustice, by revealing the intense trial adjudicating the matter, between a victim and police officer, and the complexities of racial politics, determining if this is an issue of racism, or if it simply what Tan claims for this matter to be — an accident. With the support of his partner, Candace, played by Ciara Renée, father and sister, played by Tzi Ma and Lynn Chen, and police force standing behind him, Clifton Davis, he learns that this case is not one that will easily be settled in court, but is yet another contribution to an already on-going dispute between civilians, police officers while combating the issues of police brutality and racial politics

Film director and writer, Aimee Long, tells us more about the creation of this film:

The Knockturnal: What was the inspiration behind casting an Asian American lead as someone in the midst of a recurrent racial issue? 

Aimee Long: I am Chinese-American myself. I wanted to see myself represented on screen. We started this project in 2015 before Crazy Rich Asians and the wave of Asian-American films. I wanted to write something grounded and authentic to my culture and upbringing. Also, when we are talking about these racial issues, we only usually hear about the Black and White. We, as Asian-Americans, are often ‘othered’. I wanted to insert ourselves into the conversation. We are Americans too. We belong here.

The Knockturnal: How was working with the casted talent to bring together the film? 

Aimee Long: I had a great time with this cast. I was so grateful to be able to put this cast together. The casting process took a really long time, my casting director, Pat McCorkle, was extremely patient with me. I had a very specific vision in mind and she respected the fact that I wanted to keep the cast authentic. I really had a very humbling experience working with this cast, a lot of them are veterans. Tzi Ma and Clifton Davis, for example, were a joy to have on set. I also learned so much from them. They really believed in the film and the messages behind it. 

The Knockturnal: Overall, how would you describe your experience creating this film? 

Aimee Long: It had its set of challenges, but I think it was all worth it in the end. We had a very small budget, we tried to come up with creative ways to split a dollar in half. We were ambitious with this project and I think it ultimately paid off. I am very grateful that my cast and crew stuck with me through it all and really believed in my vision for the story. I learned a lot as a first time director. I also learned a lot about race relations and forced myself to dig within to find my voice in the matter. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. 

The Knockturnal: What would you say was the most difficult part in creating the film? Did you stick to the script all throughout? Were there any changes you had to make? 

Aimee Long: The most difficult part of creating the film is honestly the weight of such a film. I really believe that I had a social responsibility to such a story and I really want to make sure I handled it with care. I think that there are real people involved in incidents like this. I wanted to make sure I don’t re-traumatize my audience. It was also very important to me that we don’t oversimplify the problem. There aren’t any easy solutions. I don’t have the answers to solve the problem. I wanted to present the problem with authenticity and have people spark a real conversation. I really believe the only way to solve a problem is by presenting it, acknowledging it, and confronting it. It’s an extremely uncomfortable topic, especially when I started this journey in 2015. This was before BLM came to the center of attention and before anyone was willing to talk about this issue or listen. We wanted to shine a light on stories that were uncomfortable and difficult for people to talk about. We did stick to the script for the most part. When I first wrote the film, I was adamant about not showing the actual incident. Back then, when an incident like this happened, we didn’t usually see it played out; there weren’t a lot of body cams or bystanders filming then. But then the times changed during post production. We see a lot more real-time incidents happening on the news and via social media. So when we did our test screening after our first cut, the audience really asked for it. The focus shifted to a different part of the conversation when we didn’t show the incident. We had to go back for some pick-ups and create the specifics of the fictional incident. That was the biggest change in the script. 

The Knockturnal: What do you hope for viewers to get out of the film after viewing? 

Aimee Long: I really wanted people to start a conversation. I also wanted people to see an authentic Asian-American family on screen, apart from the tropes and stereotypes. I wanted the audience to see Asian-Americans represented on screen. I wanted to show all the nuance in the aftermath of a tragic incident like this where things are not all black and white. Nothing is ever one thing. Especially, with issues that are so systemic, there are many factors that ripple throughout our whole society. I wanted to try and capture that feeling and, hopefully, urge the viewer to take some sort of action to understand and improve what exists in our world.

The Knockturnal: For the future, do you plan on creating more films that are similar to “A Shot Through the Wall”?

Aimee Long: Haha. I think I might take a break and do a lighter toned film next. I still very much want to make films with social commentary. I believe that’s what draws me to this medium, film. I want to make sure my films have meaning and a message behind them. I want to make films that are worth my time. I don’t mind if my films make people feel uneasy or uncomfortable, I like to live in that space. I want to continue making nuanced films that push boundaries for sure. 

“A Shot Through The Wall” is set to premiere in theaters this Friday, January 21st.

Dramafilmpremiere
0 comments 2 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Briana Boateng

Entertainment journalist skilled in writing, interviewing, video editing (Adobe Premiere Pro, Cap Cut), social media management, and production.

previous post
OWN TV’s ‘The Kings of Napa’ Goes Virtual
next post
Touchdown! Super Bowl Week Will Score Big with These LA Moments

Related Posts

Dom Pérignon Unveils the Murakami Flower Studio in...

October 25, 2025

Brooklyn Gets a Glow-Up with Desolas Mezcal’s Reposado...

October 24, 2025

Emerald Dreams: Celebrating Wicked in New York

October 24, 2025

Discover Park Rose: The New Jewel of Park...

October 24, 2025

Spooky Streets and Autumn Eats: Celebrate Halloween in...

October 24, 2025

Back to Derry | HBO’s IT Prequel Delivers...

October 24, 2025

Baja California Sur Celebrates Two Upcoming Wellness Festivals:...

October 24, 2025

Not Ready for Prime Time: How MCC Theater...

October 24, 2025

Victoria Justice Hosts “LOVE ZOMBIE” Halloween Bash on...

October 24, 2025

The Familial Meta-Drama of Sentimental Value

October 23, 2025

Digital Cover No. 19

The Knockturnal Merch

Follow Us On The Gram

theknockturnal

Lifestyle. Music. Entertainment.
Info@theknockturnal.com
New Cover Out Now ⬇️

Step inside the chaotic world of The Chair Company Step inside the chaotic world of The Chair Company, where office life meets absurd comedy. 🪑 
Stream it now on @HBO. 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/la-premiere-hbos-the-chair-company/

✍️: Katherine Wright
-
#TheChairCompany #HBO #HBOOriginal #HBOShow #BingeWorthy #MustWatch #StreamingNow
@justinbieber led @skylrk to a standout win at The @justinbieber led @skylrk to a standout win at The Leag, one of LA’s most talked-about underground sports events. With celebrities, athletes, and creators filling the sidelines, the night captured the energy of competition and culture colliding under the lights. 🏀

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/justin-bieber-leads-skylrk-to-victory-at-las-underground-sports-phenomenon-the-league/

✍️: Parris Rose

-
#JustinBieber #SKYLRK #TheLeag #LosAngeles #SportsCulture #Basketball #UndergroundSports
@nmixx_official spoke with The Knockturnal about t @nmixx_official spoke with The Knockturnal about their journey as six members, a long, inspiring adventure that’s led them to a major milestone: their first-ever full-length album, Blue Valentine. 💙

The project dives deep into the complexity of human emotions, wrapped in NMIXX’s signature MIXX-pop sound. 🎶

“The story of NMIXX is still unfolding.” 

Full Article 🔗 https://theknockturnal.com/nmixx-blue-valentine/

By @EmmaSalehi 

#NMIXX #BlueValentine #NMIXXBlueValentine #MIXXPOP #NMIXXComeback #KpopInterview #TheKnockturnal #Kpop #KpopNews #KpopGirlGroup #NMIXX_BlueValentine #HAEWON #LILY #BAE #JIWOO #KYUJIN #SULLYOON #엔믹스
Want to immerse yourself in the wonderful world of Want to immerse yourself in the wonderful world of @beetlejuicebway? Now you can! From now until Halloween, @tempotimessquare hosting an unforgettable Beetlejuice Suite experience where every corner is bursting with spooky charm, strange surprises, and a whole lot of Netherworld flair. 💀✨ 

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just a little strange and unusual, this is your chance to step into the world of the ghost with the most. 👻 #BeetlejuiceBroadway #TempoTimesSquare #BeetlejuiceSuite
#ParkChanWook new film might make you laugh when y #ParkChanWook new film might make you laugh when you least expect it — and flinch when you do. 👀💥

Full review out now.

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/park-chan-wooks-no-other-choice-is-dark-gripping-and-bitingly-funny/

✍️: Ishan Wankavala 

-
#NoOtherChoice #KoreanCinema #Cinephile #FilmReview #NewRelease #MustWatch
📸 WOODZ (@woodz_dnwm) — the artist redefining 📸 WOODZ (@woodz_dnwm) — the artist redefining boundaries with each track, image, and evolution. Dive into our exclusive to uncover the artistry behind the name. 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/woodz/

✍️: Emma Salehi

-
#Woodz #Kpop #ArtistSpotlight #Editorial
EXCLUSIVE: STAYC take the Stay Tuned tour to elect EXCLUSIVE: STAYC take the Stay Tuned tour to electrifying new heights, bringing “I WANT IT” to life with unmatched energy, confidence, and flair. Every beat, every move, every note is a reminder that STAYC don’t just perform—they command the stage. 🌈💥

From their glowing visuals to powerhouse vocals, @stayc_highup deliver a night that’s equal parts spectacle and soul.

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/stayc/

✍️: Emma Salehi

-
#STAYC #StayTunedTour #IWANTIT #STAYCgirls #STAYChighup #Kpop #ConcertHighlights #ExclusiveFeature
Park Chan-wook shares how The Ax inspired his new Park Chan-wook shares how The Ax inspired his new film, exploring its unique darkness. 🌟

#ParkChanWook #NoOtherChoice #TheAx #KoreanFilm #KDrama #NYFF #NYFF26
Big sci-fi dreams ahead 🔥🤖Park Chan-wook tea Big sci-fi dreams ahead 🔥🤖Park Chan-wook teases his probable upcoming project Genocidal Organ! 

#ParkChanWook #GenocidalOrgan #NYFF #NYFF26
Dark humor and deep tragedy with @byunghun0712 in Dark humor and deep tragedy with @byunghun0712 in his latest film @nootherchoicefilm. 🖤🎬

#LeeByungHun #NoOtherChoice #KDrama #NYFF #NYFF26
Two worlds, one screen 🌏🎥 Lee Byung-hun refl Two worlds, one screen 🌏🎥 Lee Byung-hun reflects on 20 years of film, from South Korea to Hollywood! 

#LeeByungHun #Hollywood #KoreanCinema #Film #NoOtherChoice #NYFF26 #NYFF
Brighter days ahead 🌞 @cix.official share what Brighter days ahead 🌞 @cix.official share what it means to move forward together in their latest comeback. 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/cix/

✍️: Emma Salehi

Photo Credits: C9 Entertainment 
-
#CIX #GOChapter1 #GOTogether #TheKnockturnal #KpopInterview #KpopNews #CIXComeback #CIX2025 #KpopFeature #CIXFans
It’s going down! @stayc_highup is in North Ameri It’s going down! @stayc_highup is in North America on their ‘Stay Tuned’ tour! 💖

Watch their energetic and fun filled show near you 👀🌟

#stayc #kpop #kpopconcert #iwantit #staycstaytuned #staytuned
Who runs the world? Girls! 🩷 We had the most a Who runs the world? Girls! 🩷

We had the most amazing day of inspiring panels, activations and networking at @femalefounderworld, with @eyebuydirect! 👓
Eskil Vogt reunites with longtime collaborator Joa Eskil Vogt reunites with longtime collaborator Joachim Trier for their sixth cinematic journey, co-writing Sentimental Value, a poignant exploration of family, memory, and reconciliation. 

-
#Screenwriting #Storytelling #WritingForFilm #FilmWriting #NYFF2025 #NewYorkFilmFestival #IndieFilm
At @thenyff , @renatereinsve brings Nora Borg to l At @thenyff , @renatereinsve brings Nora Borg to life in Sentimental Value, portraying a character whose journey through family complexities and personal discovery resonates deeply. 

-
#RenateReinsve #NYFF #SentimentalValue #NoraBorg #FilmFestival #Actress
@nobledanceroslo at @thenyff shares his vision as @nobledanceroslo at @thenyff shares his vision as a director, bringing his story to life with precision, collaboration, and attention to every frame. 

The film reflects his dedication to emotion, storytelling, and cinematic craft. 🎥

-
#JoachimTrimmer #NYFF #NewYorkFilmFestival #FilmFestival #Director #Filmmaking
We spoke with @ingalilleaas at @thenyff about the We spoke with @ingalilleaas at @thenyff about the emotional process behind her latest film. ✨

-
#IngaIbsdotterLilleaas #NYFF #NewYorkFilmFestival #FilmFestival #Cinema
Poised, perceptive, and endlessly compelling — @ Poised, perceptive, and endlessly compelling — @ellefanning in conversation at this year’s @thenyff.

-
#ElleFanning #NYFF #NewYorkFilmFestival #FilmFestival #RedCarpet #Cinema
✨ From powerful panels to unforgettable performa ✨ From powerful panels to unforgettable performances, the 2025 #TeenVogueSummit brought together voices shaping fashion, culture, and activism today. 💬🎶

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/2025-teen-vogue-summit-recap-full-of-fun-fashion-and-connection/

✍️: Zipporah Pruitt

-
#TeenVogue #TeenVogueSummit2025 #TeenVogueEvents
#TeenVogueCommunity #TeenVogueStyle
Follow on Instagram

About The Site

We are a collective of creative tastemakers made up of fashion, music and entertainment industry insiders. It’s all about access. You want it. We have it.

Terms Of Use

Privacy Policy

Meet The Team

CONTACT US

For general inquiries and more info on The Knockturnal, please contact our staff at:
info@theknockturnal.com
fashion@theknockturnal.com
advertising@theknockturnal.com
editorial@theknockturnal.com
beauty@theknockturnal.com

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin
  • Youtube

© Copyright - The Knockturnal | Developed by CI Design + Media

The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch