Chi Lam is  a British-born Chinese actor and filmmaker from Birmingham.   He is excited to announce his  latest short film, "Pak Choi", in collaboration with the Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust.

Chi said:

"Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been hooked on storytelling. I spent my childhood in theatre and film clubs, making silly YouTube videos with friends and loving every minute of it. By the time I was 16, I found myself on professional film sets, soaking up all the experience I could. That passion eventually led me to start my own production company, Chi Lam Pictures.

So far, we’ve produced films like "The Wong House", "The Ranger" and "Big Man"—all of which reflect my love for quirky indie comedies. Now, I’m thrilled to bring you "Pak Choi", a dramedy that tells the story of Gary Smith, a 60-year-old widower who, after the loss of his wife, isolates himself from the world.

Through an unexpected friendship with Mr. Li, a man he mistakenly meets through a friend-matching service, Gary slowly begins to rediscover joy and human connection. The film explores the loneliness many older individuals face, especially those without children or family support, and highlights how even imperfect relationships can be transformative.

As someone who’s passionate about stories that connect people, I wanted to bring characters from diverse backgrounds into the spotlight. Mr. Li, with his limited English, represents the challenges faced by minority communities, but more importantly, he shows that friendship can transcend language and cultural barriers. At its core, "Pak Choi" is a film about the simple yet powerful need for companionship, reminding us that we don’t have to be the perfect friend—sometimes, just being there is enough.

In addition to telling a meaningful story, "Pak Choi" aims to raise awareness about the growing issue of loneliness among the elderly. We’ve planned screenings in collaboration with the NHS to spark conversations around mental health and the importance of connection.

Currently, I’m studying at MetFilm School London, and when I’m not making films, I volunteer at the British Heart Foundation and the Octavia Foundation—both causes close to my heart. I’m all about creating, connecting, and sharing stories, and "Pak Choi" is no exception. I can’t wait to share this film with you!

We plan to release "Pak Choi" on YouTube to make it widely accessible, while also submitting it to film festivals and hosting NHS screenings. I’m hopeful that this film will resonate with viewers and inspire important discussions about mental health and loneliness."