What inner demons lurk within the passages of our mind, fueled by our ego and feeding our disillusion? Who we are is both a product of our thoughts and our actions. Promises Promises is a riveting film which presents this idea in the vehicle of a young woman named Ann Krueger whose dream leads her down an unexpectedly dark path; one which any of us might be capable of. Producer/director/co-writer Yunyi Zhu envisioned a tale that would illustrate the thin line that separates most of humanity in terms of heroism or villainy. In this film, she has created a masterful depiction of the subtleties that define character, and has done so in a manner that is remarkably relatable. Promises Promises has received thunderous praise at many festivals including the Flickers’ Rhode Island International Film Festival, Paladine d’Oro Sport Film Festival, Chinese American Film Festival, Big Apple Film Festival, and LA Shorts International Film Festival (Oscar/BAFTA/Canadian Screen Award and Spain Goya Awards qualified) A dynamic cast which includes Julia James (of the triple BAFTA Award–Winning and Oscar nominated film Babylon), Maria Jose De La Cruz (of Tubi original film This Never Happened), Jazz McIlwain, Reyna Stephanie, and Claire Dewar propels this film to a level of anxiety reminiscent of Anthony Minghella’s 1999 production of The Talented Mr. Ripley.

  In the story, Ann Krueger (Julia James) is a college student and averagely talented runner who aspires to compete in Nationals before graduation and retiring from her running career. Ann pairs with her best friend Jodi (Maria Jose De La Cruz) to train. When Jodi’s far more substantial abilities takes her further, Jodi’s jealousy takes her down a path empowered by resentment. Through the example of two female college students, the age-old concept of how success delineates and alters a friendship is investigated. This is an idea that nearly everyone has experienced in some manner, on either side of the equation. This film’s exploration of friendship, ambition, and the pursuit of belonging touches upon themes that are timeless and relevant to audiences of all backgrounds. The characters are depicted with depth and authenticity, allowing viewers to empathize with their struggles and internal conflicts. 

  The inherent quality of relatability is baked deeply into this production, from the locations to the acting performances and direction. From envisioning the story itself (based on her notable professional athletic career) to selecting the perfect locations, to working closely with the cast and crew, Yunyi honed every aspect of this film to create a large “umbrella” experience in the story that many could viscerally use as a touchstone for similar experiences in their life. Though the specifics may be different, there are several moments in Promises Promises which spark a familiar emotion in audiences of many different cultures and walks. Yunyi expresses, “My own experiences of triumphs and challenges in the world of athletics have deeply influenced my approach as a producer of this project. Drawing from my personal journey, I am committed to capturing the emotional depth and authenticity of the female runners’ stories on screen. There’s a great deal to learn from success and what may seem like failure in the moment. Having navigated the highs and lows of my athletic career, I understand the importance of perseverance, teamwork, and resilience. These qualities, which I honed during my time as an athlete, resonate deeply with the themes we aim to explore in this film. It is my goal to convey the struggles, triumphs, and personal growth of female athletes in a way that is both relatable and inspiring to audiences.”

  One of the most impressive aspects of this film’s success, and a reinforcement of Yunyi and her team’s commitment to the story, is not discernable from viewing Promises Promises. The production was nearly derailed when one of the main cast members contracted COVID. After testing of the entire cast and crew and some pivots in the process, filming was completed without harm to anyone. When pickups were added weeks later to make up for the lost scenes, Yunyi likened the experience to a family reunion. She proclaims, “Reuniting with the entire crew after the challenges posed by COVID was incredibly gratifying. We all share a deep belief and passion in this project, and coming together again to work on it was a confirmation of our dedication and resilience. The sense of camaraderie and shared commitment among the cast and crew was palpable, and it reaffirmed why we embarked on this journey in the first place. Working alongside such dedicated individuals, who were willing to go above and beyond, made the entire experience immensely rewarding. It’s moments like these that remind us of the power of collaboration and the magic that can be created when a group of passionate people come together to bring a vision to life.” Promises Promises possesses a lesson that permeates those making it as well as the film itself.