Debbie Lum

At Lowell High School, the top-ranked public school in San Francisco, 70% of the students are Asian-American. Competition for spots at their dream colleges is stiff, and an anxious cram culture pervades the senior class. Debbie Lum’s sympathetic documentary simultaneously celebrates the multi-talented Lowell teens, as well as exposes the overwhelming stress put on high schoolers.

Greenwich Entertainment

In a world where cool kids are nerds, the orchestra is world class and being Asian American is the norm, seniors at Lowell High School compete for the top prize: admission to the college of their dreams.

AFI Docs

DocNYC 

Calgary International Film Festival 

Sundance Film Festival 

CAAM Fest

DocEdge Film Festival 

"Endearing, alarming doc on senior-year college-application hope and heartbreak." 

Jessica Kiang

"try harder! Is An Era-Defining Documentary on the Ivy League Aspirant Culture” 


Try Harder!