Posted by Awarded for its strong narrative vision, thoughtful critique of institutional pressure, and a standout lead performance by Hathy Law Hei Yi, Mint Condition presents a striking exploration of perfectionism within a dystopian educational system.
Independent Shorts Awards is pleased to announce Mint Condition, a 25-minute film directed by So Man Tsoi from Hong Kong, as the recipient of Best Short of the Season for the round of February/March 2025. This thought-provoking short film stood out for its clear artistic vision, strong storytelling, and standout lead performance.
Mint Condition follows the story of Lok Chen, a primary school student enrolled in an institution that values perfection above all else. In this world, students are graded on a binary scale—100 or 0—with failure resulting in enforced modifications aimed at “improvement.” As the system’s deeper flaws and dystopian motives become apparent, Lok Chen must navigate the rigid expectations placed upon her and confront the risks of nonconformity.
The film is anchored by a compelling lead performance from Hathy Law Hei Yi, who portrays Lok Chen with nuance and sensitivity. Her portrayal of a young student caught in a high-stakes environment contributes significantly to the emotional resonance of the narrative.
Writer-director So Man Tsoi presents a tightly constructed and visually cohesive work, blending minimalistic world-building with meaningful commentary on societal pressure, institutional control, and the cost of perfectionism. The film’s visual language and pacing enhance its themes while offering space for reflection and interpretation.
So Man Tsoi holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences in Cinema and Television from Hong Kong Baptist University. She is also the screenwriter of the feature film A Light Never Goes Out.
With Mint Condition, So Man Tsoi continues to demonstrate a clear directorial voice and a thoughtful approach to storytelling. Independent Shorts Awards congratulates her, lead actress Hathy Law Hei Yi, and the full creative team on this well-deserved recognition.
Mint Condition has qualified for the 2025 Annual Awards this September, marking another significant milestone in its journey.
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