FUKU (Happiness Is Blowfish)
Maninder Chana
Canada, 2007
Japanese with English Subtitles
12 minutes

Director: Maninder Chana

Big Boss has been betrayed. Akito, a young hoodlum with an appetite for power and all the luxuries that come with it, has broken from the pack and gone on his own. But his bid for independence has fallen flat and he finds himself now crawling back to his mentor, Big Boss for forgiveness.

Big Boss though is not having any of it. Insulted, he aims to make an example out of Akito. He meets him at an upscale restaurant and makes sure blowfish, a delicacy that Akito has an affinity, for is on the menu. If not prepared properly, blowfish can be poisonous. Knowing this Big Boss enlists the help of newly acquired henchmen to ensure the fugu (blowfish) is not up to snuff. Upon eating it, Akito falls limp.

Big Boss thinks he has won. But what he does not realize is that over time, Akito has built up a tolerance to the poison. He has moments not seconds to live. And with his last breath, Akito fights to take Big Boss down before the poison overrides his system and kills him.

Director’s Bio

Maninder Chana is an award-winning filmmaker, performer, writer and musician. He was the ultimate driving force behind, Mixed Nuts. The comedy troupe garnered accolades for its cutting edge humour, playing sold-out shows and earning Maninder several award nominations for his acting, writing and stage direction. His comedic appeals and creative abilities naturally led him to filmmaking. He has written, produced, edited and directed seven short films, all of which have played at festivals worldwide. A couple of the films have also been picked up for distribution – a rarity among short subjects. His film, The Drive-by Ventriloquist, was a best film finalist at the prestigious Balticon Festival. His latest film, Fuku, has already been picked up for several festivals and stars three members of Jackie Chan’s stunt team.