Year of the Little Tiger (2026): Cast, Story and Release Details

Prepared by Movies Dock Editorial

Set during Chinese New Year in Wellington, Year of the Little Tiger follows Daniel, a Chinese-Pākehā teenager struggling with cultural insecurity, bullying and his feelings for Kaya. This 11-minute drama-comedy focuses on mixed identity, confidence and the courage to be honest about who you are.

Year of the Little Tiger is a 2026 drama-comedy set during Chinese New Year in Wellington. The short film centers on Daniel, a Chinese-Pākehā teenager who feels disconnected from his Chinese heritage and uncertain about where he belongs.

As Daniel tries to get closer to Kaya, a confident Chinese girl he likes, his personal insecurities become harder to ignore. Written and directed by Ethan Chung, the film explores cultural identity, bullying and the challenge of finding confidence in a mixed background.

Year of the Little Tiger movie details

Story without spoilers

Daniel is half Chinese and feels insecure about that part of his identity. After being bullied by Chinese peers, he becomes more aware of how distant he feels from his own culture and begins to feel lost between different aspects of his background.

His feelings for Kaya add another layer to his uncertainty. Daniel wants to approach her and eventually confess his crush, but he must first find the courage to accept and take pride in his mixed identity. The story unfolds against the setting of Chinese New Year in Wellington.

What to expect

The film combines drama and comedy within an 11-minute runtime. Its central focus is Daniel’s struggle with mixed identity, cultural belonging, peer bullying and teenage romance. The Chinese New Year setting gives the story a specific cultural and community context, while the relationship between Daniel and Kaya provides the personal thread driving his emotional conflict.

Cast and creative team

Simi Dunlop plays Daniel, with Sonya Li-McHenry as Kaya and Zenden Cha as Eric. The supporting cast includes Donald Chung as Dad, Susan Chung as Mum, Hong Chin as Uncle Andy, Jennifer Wong as Aunty Vivian, Iva Young as Aunty Cindy, Stan Chan as Grandad and Ethan Li as Cousin Chris. Ethan Chung wrote and directed the film.

• Simi Dunlop as Daniel
• Sonya Li-McHenry as Kaya
• Zenden Cha as Eric
• Donald Chung as Dad
• Susan Chung as Mum
• Hong Chin as Uncle Andy
• Jennifer Wong as Aunty Vivian
• Aunty Cindy as Iva Young
• Stan Chan as Grandad
• Ethan Li as Cousin Chris

Release and production context

Year of the Little Tiger is a 2026 film with a listed release date of November 7, 2026. It has a runtime of 11 minutes and is listed in the drama and comedy genres. The supplied language information lists English, and the story is set in Wellington. No country or production company is provided.

Movies Dock view

With its short running time and focused premise, Year of the Little Tiger presents a coming-of-age story about cultural insecurity, belonging and romantic courage. Its setting and central conflict place a mixed-identity teenager at the heart of a personal struggle during Chinese New Year.

Film data:
TMDB