Paper Marriage

Official Selection, 2024 Asian American International Film Festival

Fanny is out of options. She’s just been denied her H-1B visa, and if she wants to stay in the United States she’s going to need a new plan. And that new plan is named Jeff, a down-on-his-luck friend-of-a-friend who sees the sham marriage as a solution to his current lackluster life. As they spend their evenings together memorizing answers for their upcoming immigration interview, it becomes quickly apparent that these two are nothing alike. While Fanny is a pragmatic, analytical problem-solver, Jeff is an anxious, self-pitying people-pleaser. Can the two learn to put their trust in one another in time for their life-changing date with immigration services?

PAPER MARRIAGE is a love story, odd couple comedy, and skin-crawling cringefest all rolled into one. Making his feature directorial debut, Jeff Man has built from his previous short film Santa Claus (SDAFF ‘17, Special Jury Mention Award Winner) and fully delved into the dramatic awkwardness of modern human connection. It’s a reminder that relationships are built on devotion and hard work – even the fake ones.

For this charade to succeed, Fanny must teach Jeff to see the good he has inside himself and to finally realize what he’s capable of achieving. And in turn, Jeff will need to teach Fanny how to be vulnerable and open to the possibilities of a life she doesn’t yet know she deserves. Because isn’t that what love is anyway? To help one another become the best version of each other possible, awkwardness and all.

– James Paguyo

Pre-Screening Reception 6:00-7:00PM for PAPER MARRIAGE ticket holders, All-Fest Pass, and Pac Arts members at Regal Edwards Mira Mesa.

This screening is FREE for members of Pac Arts. Members can redeem their free ticket(s) online by using the code provided in the general membership e-newsletter. For any assistance, please email membership@pacarts.org.