Two small-time burglars kidnap the son of a wealthy businessman, demanding twenty thousand dollars. But when they discover that the boy is a victim of harsh discipline at home, they face a moral dilemma that blurs the line between criminals and protectors.

Director Biography - Richard Dang

Richard Dang is a Cambodian Canadian filmmaker whose work explores guilt and intergenerational reconciliation. His work has screened at Canadian festivals such as Vancouver Asian Film Festival and Reelworld Film Festival. By connecting with festivals, he hopes to bring these stories to wider audiences and continue expanding the reach of his films beyond Canada.

Director Statement

When I was seven, I experienced a home invasion while home alone. The men who broke in were from my community, people I recognized, no Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern. Years later, I made mistakes of my own and began to see how cycles repeat themselves.

I grew up in a tight-knit Cambodian Canadian community and realized, later, how little guidance we had. Our parents were often uneducated country folks, affected by war and genocide, trying to figure things out. At home, discipline was harsh, an attempt to "teach" us. Meanwhile, my peers and I were out in the world, making trouble to see what works and what doesn't.

This film is a comedic take on the themes of mistakes and agency. It is about taking responsibility for ourselves and the next generation. Ran Som is a love letter to my community, to forgive ourselves in order to do better.