Help Bring The Relaxing Station to the Big Screen

My friends! I made a short film! I have entered it into the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, but alas, that is no guarantee that it will be screened. So, in an effort to honor all of the people involved in the making of this film, I would like to have a special screening at the Metro 4 Theater in Santa Barbara on Wednesday, December 18th, at 7:30 pm. And you're invited! I know that attending is challenging for those who live outside of Santa Barbara, but don't worry!! The film will be making its way to YouTube in February of 2025.

I have created this GoFundMe to help cover costs related to the screening of the short film, including printed materials and venue expenses. My greatest supporter in life, Diane Hinds, is assisting me with organizing and covering the costs related to the screening of my short film. For this reason, her name will appear on the account receiving donations. Your support means so much to me and directly contributes to making this screening a reality. Thank you for your generosity! 谢谢

Here is a synopsis of the film:

The Relaxing Station is a heartwarming, inspiring, and sometimes humorous exploration of how a group of immigrants can transform their lives and the lives of others through the healing power of massage. The film is centered around the lives of five Chinese massage therapists who have immigrated to Santa Barbara, California, seeking a new life while offering a unique massage technique known as the “Qu style.” Through a series of personal interviews and massages, viewers are introduced to the therapists, their clients, and the unique massage style pioneered by the business owner, Zhigang Qu.

The innovative Qu style, which emphasizes gentle but effective pressure point techniques, is performed while clients are fully clothed and covered by a blanket. The therapists wear white gloves, and the practice is designed to create a deep sense of relaxation and healing for the body and mind. It is an approach that reflects both a commitment to traditional Chinese therapeutic techniques and a desire to offer something unique in the United States.

Three of the clients interviewed are from the United States, one from China, and one from France, each arriving for their own reasons—ranging from body pain and stress relief to curiosity about this unique massage style. The film captures clients’ initial impressions and expectations, contrasting them with their reactions after experiencing the transformative effects of the Qu style massage.

Through heartfelt narratives, the massage therapists reveal the bonds they've formed in their new community, and the deep sense of pride they take in their work. The therapists speak in Mandarin, with English subtitles, offering an authentic window into their experiences of cultural adaptation and personal growth.

The film celebrates the courage to forge new paths in an unfamiliar land. It is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit, the strength required to start anew, and the healing that comes from genuine human connection.