I wrote Sugar, Sorry with a deep understanding of the struggles we face in finding acceptance, especially within ourselves. The story of this film is in many ways based on the younger versions of myself, one glued to the TV glow of Disney sitcoms and another, lost in the endless scroll of social media – both yearning for validation in different times.

This story serves as a gentle reminder to anyone facing similar struggles: kindness towards yourself is an important step towards acceptance, and is too often overlooked by ongoing self-doubt. I wish my younger self could witness this film unfold, to realize her inherent worthiness beyond societal standards. The many people she idolized over the TV set or through the bottomless pit of her iPhone don’t discredit her beauty or identity.

At its core, Sugar, Sorry delves into the complexities of love — self-love, romantic love, and the difficult bonds of family. How do our upbringings shape our understanding of love, and how can that perception affect our relationship with ourselves and those around us?

While initially founded in Filipino-American roots, the themes of this film go beyond Asian-identity to resonate with audiences of all backgrounds. The undertones of perspective and implicit bias serve in part of the universal quest to belong, the desire to mold ourselves into someone we're not, and the realization that true love begins with self-respect.

At the end of the day, Sugar, Sorry is a love letter to my younger self, to the teenage yearning for belonging, and to the unwavering strength of my mother's sacrifices. The sad reality is, we still live in a world where marginalized voices often go unheard. But with a unique visual language and relevant story, Sugar, Sorry demands visibility, amplifying the experiences of Gen-Z, people of color, and above all else, the misfits in our society.