Barrier Device

"Barrier Device" is a 2002 short film written and directed by Grace Lee. It stars Sandra Oh as a sex researcher and Suzy Nakamura as a subject. It won four awards, including the silver medal at the 29th Student Academy Awards.

Plot

Researcher Audrey conducts a study on female condoms. In the course of her work, she discovers that Serena, one of her subjects, is romantically involved with her ex-fiancé. Torn between professional integrity and curiosity, Audrey attempts to learn more about Serena's life without compromising her work.

Cast

Sandra Oh as Audrey
Suzy Nakamura as Serena
Melinda Peterson as Dr. Campbell
Jonathan Liebhold as Dwight
Brian Kim as Brian

Production

Barrier Device was Grace Lee's master's thesis at UCLA. Lee directly asked Oh to appear in her film.

Release

Barrier Device premiered at the 2002 CAAMFest.

Reception

Awards

Year	Organization	Award	Recipient	Result	Ref
2002	Student Academy Awards	Silver medal	Grace Lee	Won
2002	Urbanworld Film Festival	Grand Jury Prize	Grace Lee	Won
2002	Palm Springs International [Film Festival]	Best Short over 15 Minutes	Grace Lee	Won
2002	Directors Guild of America	Best Asian American Film	Grace Lee	Won
2002	San Diego Asian Film Festival	Best Narrative Short	Barrier Device	Won