We Are Kings (Tribeca 2025) Short Film Review & Summary

In We Are Kings, two boys use pirated discs to start a business in 2001, with the hopes it could make them some money, and maybe help one get a girl.

ByAmari Allah Hours Posted on Hours Updated on

Spoiler Alert: This summary and review contains spoilers.

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“We Are Kings” Short Film Details

  • Released On: In Theaters
  • Public Release Date: June 8, 2025
  • Director(s): Frank Sun
  • Writer(s): Frank Sun
  • Primary Language: English
  • Genre(s): Comedy, Drama, Young Adult
  • Rating: Not Rated

Summary

Using the internet from where Lin’s mom works, Lin (Kenny Ridwan) and Walid (Mahi Alam) create bootlegs. It’s 2001, so BitTorrent and a good downstream aren’t the norm, and the original idea was that the duo could make a killing. However, between the crush Lin has and a potential business partner he has found, there is a need to question if Lin may ice out Walid.

What To Expect In “We Are Kings” (Not Rated) – Content Overview

  • Dialog:
    • Cursing: Occasional
  • Violence: Nothing Notable
  • Sexual Content: Nothing Notable
  • Miscellaneous:
    • Drug Use: Recreational
    • How Emotional: It’s Not

Links

Review and Commentary

On The Fence

It Cuts Off Before It Can Get Good

Unfortunately, We Are Kings is the type of short that presents a premise but doesn’t get to flesh it out. So, the foundation is there, with a focus on two kids who are likely outsiders in Carrboro, North Carolina. Lin is East Asian, and Walid is a bit harder to pin down, but is definitely non-white. So you can imagine with Lin pursuing a girl, and willing to sacrifice or burden Walid in pursuit of that, it could be the beginning of the end.

But while the core story that could be explored is there, there are questions that go unanswered. Mainly, whether anyone beyond Walid knew that Lin’s mom worked at the local Chinese restaurant, and why he seemed ashamed of her? With only getting a small peek into his and Walid’s life, you have to make some assumptions, and whether or not we’re stereotyping/ following the usual narratives for stories like this or not is hard to say.

However, there is certainly something there to build off on.

Overall

It would be interesting to see what comes of this story, assuming Frank Sun expands it. From focusing on an Asian lead, their life in 2001 North Carolina, the rise of accessible pirating, and how Lin’s social dynamics could change as he develops some sense of power, it could all make for a good movie, maybe even a show.

What To Check Out Next

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Amari is the founder and head writer of Wherever-I-Look.com and has been reviewing media since 2010. He approaches each production with hope, rooting for every story to succeed, and believes criticism should come from unmet potential, while praise is reserved for work that meets or exceeds expectations.