15 Down, an award-winning short film, directed by Mike Hayhurst and written/produced by Allison Moy Hayhurst, will have its Oklahoma Premiere at Twister Alley International Film Festival on Saturday, May 4th. 15 Down is nominated in two categories, Best Drama Short and Best Drama Ensemble.

During an eventful summer in Alabama, the intergenerational bonds between a young Chinese-American granddaughter, her grandmother, and mother, are challenged and strengthened during a transformative summer in Alabama.

Molly is a typical 15-year-old American teenager, bonding with her friends and exploring her freedom. Molly also has the new responsibility of assisting her mother, Pamela and father, Lee with the care of her unconventional and quirky grandmother, Mildred. Through crossword puzzles, and soccer games, 15 Down reinforces their connection through shared experiences and underlines what it means to be a mother and a daughter throughout all stages of life

15 Down is a heartfelt exploration of the personal relationship between three generations of women, and highlights the intimate journey between love, loss and the strengthening of familial ties as they strive to understand their family bonds and one another.

Director Mike Hayhurst says: I’ve always been inspired by stories that seem quite small and personal but are also dealing with universal feelings, emotions, and themes. We’re not all raised by a white mother and Chinese father in the South, but we all fit into a family somewhere.15 Down is a story about family. It’s a story about growing up. It’s a story about being a mother, a daughter, and both simultaneously. It’s a story about appreciating the time we have with the people we love. It’s my family, it’s your family.

Writer/Producer Allison Moy Hayhurst says: growing up as a Chinese-American in the south, it was difficult to see myself reflected in the world. My aunt would use markers to color collectibles to look like my sisters and me–dark hair, dark eyes. She did this to almost every gift she gave us. After moving to New York, I can directly see how my aunt was helping us to see our Chinese heritage by seeing ourselves in the everyday. That is why I became a filmmaker. Diversity and representation in media are essential to ensuring a world that values and respects each other. In a world that is constantly looking for ways to separate ourselves, I strive to create work that draws attention to our shared experiences.

15 Down will premiere in the Drama Shorts category at the Twister Alley International Film Festival during the following date/time:

Saturday, May 4th at 4:05pm at the Woodward Arts Theater

There will be a Q&A immediately following the screening with Director Mike Hayhurst and Writer/Producer Allison Moy Hayhurst

Since its recent 2019 World Premiere, 15 Down has quickly garnered numerous accolades and awards, starting with the Southern Oasis Film Festival, where 15 Down took home the Audience Choice and the Best Writing awards. The film was recently named an Official Selection of the Twister Alley International Film festival in Oklahoma