The Courage To Be Seen: How eP Cho Turned Personal Vulnerability into an Award-Winning Film with ‘Before the Party’

In the world of independent film, it’s a rare feat for a debut project to not only capture a deeply personal truth but also resonate with audiences across the globe. Yet, that is precisely what filmmaker eP Cho has accomplished with his award-winning short, Before the Party. Taking on the ambitious roles of director, producer, and lead actor, Cho has crafted a poignant and visually arresting story that explores the quiet, internal struggles of bisexual identity and cultural conflict. The film, which has garnered accolades from Korea to Los Angeles, serves as a powerful testament to the universal desire for acceptance and the courage it takes to be truly seen. We sat down with the multi-talented filmmaker to discuss the personal inspiration behind his story, the challenges of wearing multiple creative hats, and why the most specific stories are often the most universal.

---

Indie Shorts Mag: What was the initial spark of inspiration that led you to tell the story of Before the Party?

Ep Cho: The spark for Before the Party came from noticing how little serious bisexual representation exists in film. I wanted to create a story that reflects the inner life of someone who does not always fit neatly into the categories society expects. While the film is rooted in bisexual identity, it also speaks to anyone who has ever felt different from the mainstream. My goal was to show that these private, vulnerable moments of reflection matter, and to give space to people who rarely see their experiences represented on screen.

Indie Shorts Mag: The film explores themes of bisexuality and cultural conflict. How did you approach crafting a narrative that feels so personal and resonant?

Ep Cho: I approached Before the Party by starting from my own lived experiences. As someone who identifies as bisexual and has moved between cultures, I know how it feels to be caught between identities that do not always seem to fit together in society’s eyes. I wanted the narrative to reflect that conflict without exaggeration, to show the quiet reality of what it means to prepare yourself before facing the world. By grounding the story in something so personal, I hoped it would also resonate with anyone who has ever felt out of place, whether because of sexuality, culture, or simply being different from the mainstream.

Indie Shorts Mag: Taking on the roles of director, producer, and lead actor for your debut film is incredibly ambitious. What were the greatest challenges and rewards of embodying so many creative positions simultaneously?

Ep Cho: The greatest challenge was the weight of responsibility. As the director, I had to protect the story and guide the creative vision. As the producer, I had to make sure everything was possible within the resources we had. And as the lead actor, I had to stay emotionally truthful while all of that was happening around me. Balancing those roles was exhausting at times, because it meant shifting constantly between leadership, logistics, and vulnerability.

The reward was seeing the story come to life exactly as I hoped. I was fortunate to have an incredible cast and crew who carried so much of the work with me. Their dedication made it possible for me to take on multiple roles without losing sight of the heart of the story. In the end, the experience gave me confidence in my own ability but also deep gratitude for the collaborative spirit of filmmaking.

Indie Shorts Mag: The performances in Before the Party have received significant praise. As both the director and the lead actor, what was your process for building such a strong and authentic dynamic with the ensemble cast?

Ep Cho: My process started with trust and collaboration. Even though I was both the director and the lead actor, I made sure that the ensemble felt they had room to bring their own voices and instincts to the characters. During rehearsals and on set, I encouraged open dialogue, because authenticity comes from actors feeling safe to explore.

As an actor myself, I understood the vulnerability that my cast was stepping into, so I approached them with the same sensitivity and respect I hope to receive when I am being directed. At the same time, I leaned on my crew, who helped create an environment where everyone could focus on performance. The praise the film has received is not only about my direction, but about the generosity of the actors and the strong sense of community that developed on set.

Indie Shorts Mag: The film delves into the painful experience of seeking validation from those closest to you. What conversations do you hope the film sparks among its viewers regarding acceptance and understanding?

Ep Cho: What I hope the film sparks is a conversation about how much weight we place on acceptance from the people closest to us, and how painful it can feel when that acceptance is not there. For many queer people, and especially for those of us who are bisexual, there is often a sense of invisibility even within our own circles. I wanted to show that struggle not as something abstract, but as something deeply human.

I hope viewers walk away asking themselves how they can be more open, more understanding, and more present for the people they love. Sometimes all someone needs is to be truly seen, without judgment or conditions. If the film opens up even small conversations around family, friendship, or community about how we give each other that recognition, then I feel the story has done its work.

Indie Shorts Mag: Before the Party has achieved remarkable international success, earning awards from festivals in Korea to Los Angeles. What has this global recognition meant to you as a first-time director?

Ep Cho: As a first-time director, the international recognition has been both humbling and affirming. When the film won in Korea, it felt deeply personal because it connected back to my roots. Receiving awards and selections in the United States, including Los Angeles, showed me that the story could travel across cultures and still resonate with people who have very different backgrounds.

For me, the greatest meaning is not just in the trophies but in knowing that audiences in different countries have found something of themselves in this story. It tells me that the themes of identity, acceptance, and vulnerability are truly universal. As a debut filmmaker, it gives me the confidence to keep telling stories that are honest and specific, while trusting that they can still reach far beyond me.

Indie Shorts Mag: The film’s visual style has also been recognized with a win for Best Production Design. Could you discuss how you used visual elements and the film’s setting to enhance the story’s emotional weight?

Ep Cho: Before the Party takes place in the mountains, where nature itself became part of the emotional atmosphere of the story. The setting was not just a backdrop but a way to reflect the character’s inner conflict. At the start of the film, two roosters appear, which I personally chose as a symbolic element, and details like that meant a lot to me. I was also fortunate to work with a great production designer, who helped shape the environment so that every visual, from the natural setting to the smallest props, carried emotional weight. That collaboration made the setting feel alive and deeply connected to the character’s journey, which made the recognition for production design especially meaningful.

Indie Shorts Mag: Jay’s story seems to have resonated with audiences at a wide variety of film festivals. What do you believe is the universal element of his journey that connects with so many people?

Ep Cho: I think what resonates most about Jay’s story is the universal desire to be seen and accepted for who you really are. On the surface, the film is about bisexual identity and cultural conflict, but at its core it is about the painful, very human need for validation from the people closest to you. Everyone, regardless of background or identity, knows what it feels like to wonder if you truly belong.

Jay’s hesitation before stepping out to the party reflects a moment that almost everyone has experienced in some form. It could be about sexuality, culture, family expectations, or simply the fear of not fitting in. That sense of vulnerability and the courage to keep moving forward is what I believe connects with audiences across different countries and communities.

Indie Shorts Mag: Following the incredible journey of your debut short, what are your aspirations for your next project? Are there new themes or genres you are eager to explore as a filmmaker?

Ep Cho: Looking ahead, I hope to expand Before the Party into a feature-length film. The story has so much more depth to explore, and I believe it can resonate even more strongly in a longer format.

I also previously produced a comedy project, and I would love to direct it as a limited series. Comedy has always been an important part of how I tell stories, and I think that project could bring a very fresh voice to the screen.

At the same time, I am personally a big fan of suspense and thriller, so I am planning a project in that genre as well. I want to push myself into new territory and show my versatility as a filmmaker, while still staying connected to stories that explore identity, psychology, and human connection.

Indie Shorts Mag: What key piece of advice would you offer to emerging filmmakers who aim to bring their own deeply personal and underrepresented stories to the screen?

Ep Cho: The most important advice I would give is to trust the value of your own perspective. I am a strong believer in the phrase what is most personal is most universal. When you tell a story honestly from your own life, even if it feels small or underrepresented, it has the power to connect with people in ways you cannot predict.

Do not wait for permission to tell those stories. With Before the Party, I took on directing, producing, and acting because I knew the story mattered, and I found a team who believed in it with me. If you can gather even a few collaborators who share your vision, that support will carry you forward.

Finally, remember that representation is not only about being visible but about being authentic. The more specific and true you are to your own experience, the more universal it becomes.

---

With the incredible success of Before the Party, eP Cho is not resting on his laurels. He is already looking to the future with plans to expand the short into a feature-length film, develop a comedy series he previously produced, and even venture into the suspense-thriller genre. His journey is a masterclass in the power of a singular vision, proving that stories born from personal vulnerability can find a global stage. For emerging filmmakers, his path offers a clear and inspiring message: trust your unique perspective, gather a team that believes in your truth, and tell the story that only you can tell. As Cho’s work so beautifully demonstrates, the most authentic narratives are the ones that have the power to connect us all.