Where to Watch Starring Jerry as Himself: Streaming & More

Starring Jerry as Himself is a hybrid documentary that defies traditional storytelling by blending elements of drama, mystery, and family revelations. Directed by Law Chen and produced by Jerry Hsu's son, Jonathan Hsu, the film unfolds the surreal true story of Jerry, a Taiwanese immigrant retired in Florida who is unexpectedly recruited by the Chinese police to become an undercover agent. His mission? To assist in an international money-laundering investigation, an unlikely task for a retiree living a quiet life in Orlando.

A Slamdance Success and Audience Favorite

The film was a standout at the 2023 Slamdance Film Festival, capturing both the Audience and Jury awards. Its unique genre-bending narrative and emotional weight made it a sleeper hit, drawing widespread acclaim from viewers and critics alike. After its success on the festival circuit, Greenwich Entertainment acquired distribution rights, planning a limited theatrical release in fall 2024 and making it available on home entertainment platforms. Edward Arentz, co-president of Greenwich, described the film as a “dizzying and poignant experience,” noting its appeal for audiences eager to explore a deeply personal and adventurous story.

A Personal Story with Real Stakes

The film’s story started as a mystery within the Hsu family itself. Jerry’s son, Jonathan, discovered his father’s bizarre covert mission after Jerry finally revealed his “spy” activities to his family. To process and understand the astonishing events that reshaped his father’s life, Jonathan turned to filmmaking. He enlisted Chen, an award-winning director known for his expertise in documentaries and short films, to help tell his father’s story. Together, they captured the intense yet heartwarming story of an ordinary man thrust into extraordinary circumstances.

According to Jonathan Hsu, the film is more than just a documentary—it’s a tribute to his father’s life and resilience. “This will be the most personal film I’ll ever produce, a film about my father,” he shared. Chen echoed this sentiment, adding, “Greenwich Entertainment has always championed unique indie films, and we’re honored for Starring Jerry as Himself to join their slate.”

A Unique Narrative-Documentary Hybrid

At its core, Starring Jerry as Himself is a fresh take on documentary filmmaking. By merging real-life footage with dramatized reenactments, Chen and Hsu break the boundaries of traditional documentary storytelling. The film explores the themes of identity, family bonds, and unexpected heroism, all while holding a mirror up to the audience, encouraging them to see Jerry’s incredible story as a lens into universal questions about loyalty, purpose, and transformation.

A Heartfelt Father-Son Collaboration

The film’s hybrid nature gives it a compelling intimacy. Rather than relying solely on typical documentary interviews and footage, the filmmakers interweave scripted elements to help convey the emotions and confusion Jerry experienced during his journey. As Jerry recounts his role as a spy, his family relives his story, offering viewers a touching perspective on how his covert mission affected their relationships and understanding of him.

In the end, Starring Jerry as Himself is an adventure, a family portrait, and a tribute to an unexpected hero. For audiences looking for something outside the ordinary, Jerry Hsu’s story promises to entertain, inspire, and provoke thought long after the credits roll. Catch it in select theaters this fall and on home entertainment platforms—it's a journey you won't want to miss.

1. What is Starring Jerry as Himself about?
   Starring Jerry as Himself is a hybrid documentary that follows Jerry Hsu, a retired Taiwanese immigrant in Florida who becomes involved in a fantastical mission as a spy for the Chinese police in an alleged money-laundering investigation.
2. Is Starring Jerry as Himself based on a true story?
   Yes, the film is based on the real-life story of Jerry Hsu, directed by Law Chen and produced by Jerry’s son, Jonathan Hsu.
3. How is this documentary different from traditional ones?
   Unlike conventional documentaries, this film combines documentary footage with dramatized reenactments, blending elements of narrative film with nonfiction.
4. Who directed the documentary?
   Law Chen directed Starring Jerry as Himself, known for his work in both documentary shorts and commercials.
5. Who produced the film?
   The film was produced by Jonathan Hsu, Jerry’s son, who aimed to depict his father’s ordeal and uncover the truth behind his unexpected journey as an undercover spy.
6. Did Starring Jerry as Himself win any awards?
   Yes, it won both the Audience Award and Jury Award at the Slamdance Film Festival in 2023, garnering acclaim for its unique storytelling approach.
7. Where was the documentary filmed?
   Filming took place in Orlando, Florida, capturing both Jerry’s daily life and the dramatized scenes of his undercover operation.
8. When is Starring Jerry as Himself set for release?
   Greenwich Entertainment plans to release the documentary in select theaters and on streaming platforms in fall 2024.
9. How did the director and producer bring the story to life?
   Jonathan Hsu and Law Chen worked together to craft the film by blending Jerry’s real-life experiences with scripted reenactments, offering both authenticity and cinematic flair.
10. Why is the film considered a "genre-bending" documentary?
    The documentary is referred to as genre-bending due to its mix of real footage with fictionalized scenes, combining the emotional depth of a documentary with the excitement of a spy thriller.