AAIFF48 Screenplay Reading: Luke & Emma

120 min

AAIFF48 is pleased to present a live reading of LUKE & EMMA for the annual Asian American International Screenplay Competition. Join us for LUKE & EMMA, written and directed by Levi Wilson, and produced by Lisa Hammer, Will Bisgrove, and Andrea Delbene.

Cast members include: Amy Chang, Coulter Ibanez, Christina Gobes, Jazz Sunpanich, Michael Giese, Milo Rechler, Mike LaRose, Anna Russell, Catherine Curtin, Matthew Leung, Lily Giese, and Levi Wilson.

This will be the New York City Premiere of this screenplay reading.

Afterwards, come enjoy a casual happy hour at The High Note (119 E 15th Street, New York, NY 10003) in celebration of this year’s screenplay reading and music video showcase.

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Summary: LUKE MCKAY, a mixed Thai American, meets a young girl named EMMA BARRETT. She’s a prep and a stark contrast to Luke’s poor nerdy friends. They live on two different sides of the track but are undeniably drawn to each other.

NOI MCKAY came from Thailand. Here, she met an American and together they had Luke. She tries her best to keep Luke safe while instilling within him Thai values. WARREN MCKAY scarcely understands the woman that he married. His dogged adherence to his conservative values risks alienating the woman that he loves.

Luke and Emma’s mutual crush becomes the catalyst which reveals latent prejudices and moments of surprising acceptance within a small Kentucky town.

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Cast List to be announced.

Doors open: 5:30 PM
Reading starts: 6:00 PM

Tickets

In-Person

    • Date and Time

      Wednesday, August 06 2025

      6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

    • Venue

      CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies - Rooms A-B

      25 W 43rd Street
      New York, NY 10036

    Guest Speakers

    • Levi Wilson (Screenplay Writer)

      Levi Wilson is a writer, director, sometimes actor and jack-of-all-trades indie filmmaker. He has worked in the film industry for over 20 years on studio productions and independent projects. His latest short film, LUKE & EMMA AND A GAS STATION ON FRANKLIN AVE, was acquired by AMC Network for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

      While developing his short into a feature film, he also works as the Director of Photography for a body horror film from Lisa Hammer, as well as a documentary about a small town Louisiana blues family. He is about to start filming season 3 of the Tubi original mockumentary series, Great Kills.

      For this performance of LUKE & EMMA, Levi Wilson will portray the following characters:

      • Ricky (Luke’s best friend)
      • Chris (Emma’s brother)
      • Bodybuilder 1
      • Young kid 2
    • Judy Lei (cast member)

      For this performance of LUKE & EMMA, Judy Lei will serve the role of Narrator.

    • Coulter Ibanez (cast member)

      For this performance of LUKE & EMMA, Coulter Ibanez will portray the character of Luke.

    • Christina Gobes (cast member)

      For this performance of LUKE & EMMA, Christina Gobes will portray the character of Emma.

    • Jazz Sunpanich (cast member)

      For this performance of LUKE & EMMA, Jazz Sunpanich will portray the character of Noi, Luke’s Thai mother.

    • Michael Giese (cast member)

      For this performance of LUKE & EMMA, Michael Giese will portray the following characters:

      • David Barrett (Emma’s father)
      • Pastor James
      • Loan officer
      • Bob (video store owner)
      • Car dealer
      • Client
    • Milo Rechler (cast member)

      For this performance of LUKE & EMMA, Milo Rechler will portray the following characters:

      • Jerry (gas station clerk)
      • Addison (Emma’s bandmate)
      • Bradley Jackson (Ricky’s older brother)
      • Jock boyfriend
      • Clerk at magazine store
      • Clerk at jewelry store
    • Mike LaRose (cast member)

      For this performance of LUKE & EMMA, Mike LaRose will portray the following characters:

      • Warren (Luke’s father)
      • Jeff (Warren’s co-worker)
      • Rick, Sr. (Ricky’s father)
      • Creepy shopper
      • Cecil (The Drummer)
    • Anna Russell (cast member)

      For this performance of LUKE & EMMA, Anna Russell  will portray the following characters:

      • Geraldine Barrett (Emma’s mother)
      • Misty (pastor’s wife)
      • Neighbor lady
      • Addison’s mother
    • Catherine Curtin (cast member)

      For this performance of LUKE & EMMA, Catherine Curtin will portray the following characters:

      • Deb (Evangelical church lady)
      • Betsy (Rick’s mother)
      • Office woman
    • Matthew Leung (cast member)

      For this performance of LUKE & EMMA, Matthew Leung will portray the following characters:

      • Jake (Emma’s boyfriend)
      • Dean (pastor’s son)
      • Brian
      • Young kid 1
    • Lily Giese (cast member)

      For this performance of LUKE & EMMA, Lily Giese will portray the following characters:

      • Sandy (non-speaking)
      • Sarah
      • Deb’s daughter
      • Robert (Jake’s friend)
      • Cheerleader girlfriend
      • Jessica
      • Mason

    Tickets

    In-Person