From Bay Blues to SoCal Hues

Project Statement

After years of chasing conventional success in the “rat race” of the tech industry in the Bay Area, I have realized that the AI revolution does not translate into fulfillment or financial peace of mind. Through the lens of a long-term transition to Southern California, this documentary project chronicles our family’s journey to redefine success and find a sense of home.

We wish to find a safe community that has excellent schools, Asian supermarkets and restaurants that connect us to our cultural roots, and an airport with direct international flights. Our needs are shaped heavily by the hostility we faced as in Atlanta: the sting of not being taken seriously at car dealerships, and frequently being shouted at and told to “go back to your country.” Those memories fuel our desire to find a welcoming home that values diversity.

The core of this project is the visual exploration and storytelling of this journey. It includes documenting the motivation driving our departure, comparing potential communities, and the different stages of the move, from initial road trips between the two regions to selecting finishes and furnishing for the new house.

As the Chinese proverb says, taking a significant step back, like a major relocation, is not an admission of failure but a courageous move that opens up unexpected and fulfilling new worlds. The project targets audiences who feel lost in the “rat race,” stimulating reflections on redefining their own success. Ultimately, my intention is to explore how the rise of AI is changing our lives in myriad ways, and what that means for us both as individuals and as a society.