Posted by Join host Olivia Lyle (@olivialyle1) for an exclusive interview with co-producer Jonathan Ward and writer–director Guymon Cheung, the creative team behind Egg Soldier (UK). Recorded by Kyle Reed (@thekylereed) at the 7th Annual Independent Shorts Awards at Regal LA Live, Los Angeles.
The film, nominated for Best Actor (Andrew Howard) and Best Young Actor (Alexander Davis), celebrated its World Premiere on the big screen at Regal LA Live in Los Angeles.
On Egg Soldier — A Father and Son in the Dust Bowl
Set in the 1930s American Dust Bowl, Egg Soldier follows Henry and his son Jacob as they grapple with loss and isolation after the disappearance of Jacob’s mother. Henry is consumed by grief, while Jacob clings to memories of his mother, finding solace in the routines and artifacts she left behind. As they search for answers, their bond teeters between healing and collapse, raising the question: can Henry break the cycle of grief, or will it consume them both?
Cheung explained that the project began years ago and carried a long road to completion: “We shot it in 2018, and it’s been a long journey. Through the pandemic, we kept editing and refining, and now, to finally see it here on the big screen in LA is incredible.”
A Journey Years in the Making
Ward recalled the unique sense of nostalgia watching the film with an audience after so many years: “It gave me a lot of appreciation for the people who worked on it. Seeing it seven years later, it’s like reliving the gift that the actors gave us. I’m really proud of it.”
The child actor, Alexander Davis, was only around 10 or 11 when the film was made. “Now he’s going into college,” Ward noted. “It’s a wild experience to see how far we’ve all come, and to be proud that the film made it through the hurdles to screen here.”
On the Performances
The team praised both of their nominated actors. “Andrew Howard brought such nuance and intensity,” Cheung said. “He came in for a weekend, jumped into the role, and gave us this incredible performance. And Alexander — what he did at that age was remarkable. He carried the emotional weight of the story.”
Ward added: “Their performances are fantastic. They both deserve their nominations — there are only three actors nominated in each category, and to see both of them recognized is amazing.”
From Setbacks to Triumph
The production faced significant challenges, including editing hurdles across different countries and the delays of the pandemic. “We felt like we’d lost momentum at times,” Ward admitted. “But to get through that process and now see it screened in a huge movie theater in Los Angeles is amazing. It feels like a triumph.”
Looking Ahead After Premiering at Independent Shorts Awards
For Cheung, the journey of Egg Soldier is only the beginning. “I think we’re on to the next project. I really want to do something about an ayahuasca retreat,” he shared. “There’s been a lot of personal growth for me since shooting Egg Soldier, and I want to reflect that in my next work.” For both Ward and Cheung, premiering Egg Soldier at Independent Shorts Awards was both cathartic and rewarding. “All our hard work paid off, all these years later,” they reflected. “We did it.”
Enjoy the interview below for a brief glimpse into the film.
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