In “Clean Slate”, a short film by Emily May Jampel starring Josephine Chiang and Joyce Keokham, drama ensues when two best friends audition for the same role in “Untitled LGBTQIA+ Gen Z Series” and get confused for one another. As the dark comedy unfolds, Chiang and Keokham are forced to contend with the stark competition of the industry and the city—and we are left to wonder whether friendship can survive this dog-eat-dog world.

Editor Shannon Lee spoke to Jampel, Chiang, Keokham, and producer Yoko Kohmoto about their collaboration, inspirations, and what it means to tell more nuanced and expansive queer AAPI stories.