OFF HOLLYWOOD | Omeleto

A musician father struggles to find cash to survive in Los Angeles.
OFF HOLLYWOOD is used with permission from Tatyana Kim. Learn more at offhollywoodfilm.com.
Misha Kim is a gifted musician from Kazakhstan who lives in Los Angeles with his two-year-old daughter. As he waits for his immigration paperwork to come through, he still must make rent, which he pieces together from various cash-paying jobs that help him and his daughter survive in Los Angeles.
But faced with high bills, unsympathetic roommates, childcare vagaries and a lack of empathy, Misha struggles to come up with the money he needs to -- and contemplates a personal sacrifice in order to stay where he is and pursue his dreams.
Directed by Tatyana Kim from a script co-written with Anatoliy O (who plays the lead role of Misha), this short drama straddles two kinds of iconic narratives. One is an archetypal "L.A. story," where beautiful dreamers struggle to find their place and success in the sunny but sometimes indifferent ecosystem of Hollywood. The other is the story of immigrants eking out lives in tenuous circumstances, summoning all their resilience and ingenuity to meet their challenges. Here, they're combined beautifully in a short that's both clear-eyed about Misha's difficulties and inspiring in his ability to keep going, despite all of it.
We first meet Misha in a recording studio, where he's translating between a Russian-speaking musician and a music executive producer type. At first, viewers could easily believe that this is a story about the musician and a slick kind of success. But the narrative chooses instead to follow the translator as he collects payment for his services and then runs up Hollywood Boulevard, feet racing over the famous stars on the sidewalk. Misha is late collecting his toddler daughter from daycare, and he has to take her to his next job picking produce. From there, the excellent and well-paced storytelling tracks Misha's increasingly strained efforts to earn money and find time to pursue his dreams of being a musician, interspersed with interludes with his daughter and at the crowded apartment he shares with other immigrants.
The visual mode is often naturalistic or even observational, presenting Misha's difficulties with an unvarnished sense of authenticity in a series of vignettes that reveal a different facet of his character and identity, including the dissonance he experiences being half-Korean with other Korean immigrants. But the visuals can turn lyrical, as well, especially when Misha shares a tender, idyllic moment with his adorable daughter. The overall impression being built is of a multi-dimensional person with many strengths and gifts, able to make his way in many contexts.
Through it all, actor Anatoliy O's performance is consistently compelling and thoughtful, a build-up of frustration coming through his character's restraint as Misha responds to the immediate obstacles in front of him, putting out one fire after the next. But what stays true is his belief in his dreams of a fulfilling life for him and his daughter, and the siren song of his own talent -- things that he's willing to work hard and make sacrifices for.
Absorbing and powerful to watch, OFF HOLLYWOOD only reveals Misha exercising his talent at its end, almost as if he's finally earned the time to do what makes his soul sing. But when we do see him finally play the drums, it's a pure moment of joy and release. We see what all the hardship and struggle is for: the fullest thriving of self and a triumph of human spirit, unfettered and free.

[@faithyyyyyyyyy]

Came here from an Instagram clip ❤

[@tatyanakim]

❤❤❤

[@judeuzo7]

That baby should win an Oscar for best supporting role 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@LivingInTheShade]

Fantastic. I could feel the struggle, desperation, disappointment, tiredness all coming through the screen 😢

[@eugenetswong]

Honestly, it felt so intrusive. Why are they filming these people? hahaha. I forgot that home argument was a scene in a film.

[@1SwiftAngela]

I do Instacart/Bakery Desserts and Fruit store job also …and I try to do any( jobs)that I do the legal way, ✅(To provide for my son and I) but it gets so hard when you’re just trying to make that little bit of money and it seems like it’s the last $5.10 🙃that makes all the difference😭 for you to pay a bill to keep your household going 🥹so I totally understand this guys/others story …Every time it seems like is not enough. It’s just never enough, 😑you have to keep going and doing it legally though 😎and working until you can make that last bit 🥹and look to God for rest🤷🏽‍♀️

[@tatyanakim]

Thank you for watching!

[@RPRosen-ki2fk]

Beautiful film. I totally felt his struggle, pain and love for his daughter. Respect to all involved with bringing this film to life, and props to the lead for giving up his hair for the role. Also that child was so adorable.

[@chigozieubah5816]

This was a beautiful film with a kind of misery you could almost touch. Great story.

[@tatyanakim]

💛

[@matokaknox971]

That baby is adorable!

[@tatyanakim]

😌

[@yena596]

I feel his struggles as someone who once was a newcomer to Canada ❤❤ amazing film! I'm recommending to my movie lovin best friend

[@ibamINV]

Bravo. Very moving and though provoking. People complain about immigrants and refugees... I think they are the bravest people in the world. This fine young actor conveys so much with so little yet such intensity, fully capturing the essence of what it must be like. The entire production is first rate, I hope to see more of his work and that of the writer and composer as well.

[@tatyanakim]

thank you for your kind words! yes! our composer done an EPIC WORK!

[@user-ec3rm9wr1n]

Ugh well 😂😂....

[@macromicro1950]

Hey @ibamINV - thank you so much for the kind words. I composed the music for the film, and if you want to hear more of my tunes, you can look up my 2x on Spotify/etc, "Tommy Simpson" (for composing work) and "Macro/micro" for my solo music that drifts between IDM, Experimental Electronic, Ambient and Noise music. I'll be releasing a lot of music over the year, so stay tuned! Hope all is well :) -Tommy

[@SuSheStudios]

Made me think about my mom and her journey here in the US... thank you for posting this film.

[@tatyanakim]

thank you thank you 🙏

[@artyomtaw]

I was also thinking about my mom when we came to US, God bless our parents

[@TheProVideo]

Wow! Anatoly, Tatyana, and the whole crew did an amazing job. I loved it and we need more stories like this. As an immigrant who moved here with hope, I can feel it. Thank you!

[@tatyanakim]

thank you

[@lolacarvalola1403]

Ой как классно снято, какая классная музыка, малышечка одним своим взглядом наслала слезки на меня Благодарю за эту прекрасную картину🌟

[@olgayatsenka6771]

This was absolutely incredible. I cried when he began singing his lullaby to his daughter.

[@macromicro1950]

thank you @olgayatsenka6771 - That was my favorite part of the film to compose music for. Tatyana and Anatoliy did such amazing work, but in particular that scene is breathtaking in his performance and how she filmed/edited it.

[@tobe-you-tube6612]

Brave, subtle, elegant film

[@tatyanakim]

thank you for watching!

[@bboymaz657]

Базару нет пацаны только узнал о вас сам живу в ЛА тоже из Алматы 🇰🇿

[@Barvinski]

This story reminds me of many things! Thanks to the authors of the film and the wonderful Omeleto!

[@tatyanakim]

thank you for watching!!

[@joshuaparker3792]

Salam from Kazakhstan! The movie is a masterpiece; I wonder why it hasn't garnered more views.

[@netcomic]

Замечательная работа ❤

[@pvdoug]

Nice video, both simple and elegant.

[@tatyanakim]

thank you!

[@narbekovich]

С удовольствием посмотрел короткометражку. Хочется продолжения истории. Есть вопросы. 👍👍👍Поздравляю ребята! Сейчас буду рассылать ссылку на фильм знакомым и просить поставить лайки и написать комментарии.

[@tatyanakim]

спасибооо! вопросы - это супер 😁

[@ImMichaelArk]

Pursuit of happiness vibes 👏👏👏 Felt very close, very real and raw…. Yet a vibrant and cinematic picture that makes LA pop 👍 Good job guys! Let’s see the feature!

[@AnatoliyO]

🫶🏼 working on it 🚀

[@ahhua3098]

That baby girl is so cute

[@eugenetswong]

If I recall correctly, she was riding in a wheelbarrow of avocados. I loved that scene.

[@tatyanakim]

@@eugenetswong hahah she does ))) thank you for watching!

[@tatyanakim]

🧡 thank you!

[@rosasalvati9055]

Meraviglioso... Molto commovente ma allo stesse tempo prova della forza invincibile della speranza dell'uomo in se stesso.

[@tatyanakim]

this is exactly what our film is about - hope and strength! thank you for watching!

[@lavenheit]

He looks like Johnny Depp

[@tatyanakim]

hahah our actor @AnatoliyO gets that a lot! thanks for stopping by

[@lavenheit]

@@tatyanakim 💖 you're welcome. Very nice work.

[@blessed9491]

Beautiful ,moving film about the immigrants n the hardships they have to face but in my opinion it just makes them stronger ❤also adorable baby ❤

[@ainurbaykara5442]

what a beautiful film with full of emotions

[@zheke450]

Underrated film. The quality of production is on top level. I love how real it feels to watch it, as if you are living it through with the guy. The only thing that bothers me is that It felt like the film is unfinished.

[@tatyanakim]

Come back for feature ❤ thanks for watching!

[@user-McGiver]

safe skies out there brothers and sisters...!

[@thesunisup_]

It just feels so real, you can almost touch this misery and desperation and at the end of it all you just want Misha to make it through so bad so he can finally get a life he and his daughter deserve. Очень трогательный фильм, отличная работа всей команды.

[@pennylane7943]

This message is very powerful, and has truly shifted my feelings. Thank you for a very beautiful and authentic performance.

[@tatyanakim]

thank you for noticing those nuances ❤

[@tatianabataeva8001]

I enjoyed watching it, great idea, great acting, very touching ending. And of course an incredibly sweet baby🥹

[@tatyanakim]

[@AElmiraF]

It's a fantastic movie, very touching. All first-generation immigrants can relate to it!

[@dauletassylbekov3858]

As a person from KZ, I felt the struggle

[@kookheegill]

Most captivating 20 minutes. Amazing.

[@maralbeksagynganov9548]

Wow! My heart were racing while watching the movie. I bet this movie touches deep every fellow immigrant.

[@maggiegismero1819]

THANK YOU for letting me take a peek at life from a new perspective. Very Well done! BRAVO

[@tatyanakim]

thank you for watching!

[@dthomas4566]

This was very authentic chemistry with the actors, I liked it very much 🎉

[@aldralee]

This was exceptional. What a beautiful film. The performances were all so impressive.

[@seracessna]

Could not stop smiling at the avocado scene 🥹

[@bigblackb123]

Great job guys ❤

[@tatyanakim]

🧡

[@yaroshenkomovie3488]

I love it 💔

[@tatyanakim]

thank you for watching our film 🧡

[@justingary5322]

Awesome acting performances from everyone in the cast and great writing about human struggles and experiences.

[@MichaelMurphy-kj3xf]

Fantastic work by all. Quite moving

[@tatyanakim]

thank you for watching!

[@irinagrinberg8323]

I like it a lot. reminds me of my start in this country.

[@terriarheghan3676]

Well done. Great story about survival!👍🏽❤️🎬

[@NOMRTSL]

Amazing ❤

[@tatyanakim]

💛💛💛

[@AnastasiaWeigert]

Bravo! It's amazing! A sincere and talented piece of art!

[@tatyanakim]

ah thank you for watching!

[@flanorunseyirdefteri]

I was searching this short film on some platforms such as IMBb, etc. and I couldn't find it at first because the name of the film is written here as "Off Hollywood". The full name is "Off Hollywood: The Undocumented Journey Of Hope" so please correct it, if you can. Thanks in advance.

[@tatyanakim]

it is!! thank you for noticing! and thanks for watching our film!!

[@flanorunseyirdefteri]

@@tatyanakim Great film Tatyana! Congrats.

[@mushroombalboa]

Beautiful work! 😭

[@yuryichai]

Таня, Толик, поздравляю с выходом фильма! Очень понравился момент, когда кореянка заговорила с ним на корейском, но он не смог ответить. Это наша действительность - самоидентификация Корёсарам... Кто мы в этом мире?🤔

[@tatyanakim]

[@brndlz]

The struggle transcends generations....only thing different is the year and faces.....this was beautiful ❤️❤️

[@andrewsiu7281]

буду оправлять друзьям! я знаю Тимура, он и другие актеры очень хорошо сыграли. особенно ребенок😂👍

[@adam_1740]

Продолжайте в том же духе. Молодцы. Удачи вам!

[@aigerimaskarova4641]

Похож на фильм в погоне за счастьем. Нағыз өмір. Фильм ұнады. Much love ❤

[@onesmile225]

Wow! Very well done story!! From my immigrant heart to yours big respect 💗

[@tatyanakim]

❤

[@theislandofkoryosaram-2160]

Отличный фильм, ребята! Поздравляю!

[@tatyanakim]

🙏🙏🙏

[@mamapegg]

When i moved my family out of state, i got my street performing license in my county. I really thought i was gonna have to busk for my fam

[@tatyanakim]

❤

[@nellieleeyabeijaflor]

So beautiful, profound and touching. Goosebumps and tears at the end. Love you guys! So proud of you, your work , your life 🎉❤🫂

[@tatyanakim]

ah, Nellie

[@Tairtairtair]

🔥🔥🔥

[@tatyanakim]

[@theagenttomato]

Damn, I felt this in my soul

[@wasabi1188]

Как же я прочувствовал его боль 💔🫶🏼

[@user-qp7hu1ye2d]

Ребят, молодцы! Оч круто! прям проникся!

[@tatyanakim]

спасибо что нашли время посмотреть наш фильм!

[@StephenJEscobedo]

Loved it! ❤❤❤

[@tatyanakim]

thank you for watching our film!!!

[@Lurkarion]

Masterpiece.

[@cadin.]

Awesome 🔥

[@tatyanakim]

спасибо! thank you )))

[@lemoon1565]

Я плакала после просмотра... Спасибо что поговорили с моей душой... Я знаю, что я не одна в такой же ситуации...♥️

[@karolinaszczudlo9871]

Just technical note, before I can comment on the subject itself - please make sure when using subtitles that the vision is not blurry....in some parts it was and I missed some dialogue, so unfortunately it ruined half of the video...

[@leemagnawel3779]

Awesome film absolutly captivated me from the start. 🎉❤

[@aigerimzhumabay8326]

So true

[@user-gs7ze5qt8j]

Круто. Классно здорово) спасибо за это!

[@frantic_kathryn]

Очень классный фильм душевно❤ Диалоги на русском получились не кринжовые 🫶🏼(халява и халтура) gig это халтура 😅но это мелочи

[@K.mort00]

Do it brother , do them all💵

[@bunyodrafikov]

Боже! Просто до слёз!

[@ukwn]

Wow

[@TomoyoTatar]

❤

[@tatyanakim]

[@kaidos82]

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@romaniemarty9030]

❤❤❤❤

[@denO311]

Good job man

[@aishattastaganova]

🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@samalazh]

💔❤️🇰🇿

[@fira7908]

Рэспект ❤

[@panagiotaapostolou3955]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@iu0_094]

Эх, набуя вы все претесь в Америку, поймите здесь нет лучшей жизни, по своему опыту знаю, в итоге вернулся обратно в Казахстан, а потом переехал в Россию, нашим корейцам можно было найти лучшую страну для переезда, чем грязная Америка, например Кореея, или отстаться в СНГ, но не выживать без рабочей визы в США

[@artyomtaw]

Это был твой опыт, не суди по себе, у моей семьи все сложилось хорошо, мы тоже через многое прошли, ни капли ни жалею, наоборот радуюсь каждый день живя здесь, по моему мнению, ни одна страна так не заколяет как США.

[@elisabethkulbingerneebobvo7229]

Geronimo through Keiko 8 Earth 10 then 20 Mandela effect Elisabeth Kulbinger Born Elisabeth Bobvowicz Contessa Di Genovesi Di Italia Born in France ( Ming Zedong of China ) Cercottes baby Lily Elisabeth The actor is important for the USA and for China cuntry Gratfulness to Russia and Krolov Vladimir Putin Elisabeth Ming Princess of Russia Planet 20 now they did put the little girl Effect Mandela is real