Surrogate Valentine

This is the story of Goh Nakamura, a real-life indie musician from San Francisco whose honey-like voice narrates his search for love through haunting folk songs. A refreshing take on romantic comedy, this unpretentious black-and-white film begins with the introduction of cool and mellow Goh to Danny Turner, the loud and animated TV star Goh must teach how to play guitar. Danny, the definition of cheeseball, is set to play a musician in his next film (directed by Goh's friend Amy), only Goh doesn't yet know that the film is based loosely on his own personal past with his former high-school love Rachel. Talked into taking Danny with him on tour to Seattle and L.A., Goh and Danny embark on a comical journey that will ultimately land them both in the middle of an unlikely friendship. Along the way, Goh meets up with Rachel and sparks reignite as the two share charming memories over coffee and board games. Though Goh may have found what he's been searching for, does he have the courage to go after it, or will he wind up alone, singing his love songs about the one that got away? SURROGATE VALENTINE is a story about both the fear and beauty of falling in love that is as sweet and bemusing as Goh's humble melodies, which compose the soundtrack of this film. – M.M.