Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jul 3, 2026

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.

Last revised
Jul 3, 2026
Read time
≈ 2 min
Length
385 w
Citations
8
Source
Barrier Device
Directed byGrace Lee
Written byGrace Lee
Produced by
  • Caroline Libresco
  • Rosie Wong
Starring
CinematographyPatricia Lee
Edited byGrace Lee
Music by
  • Billy Cote
  • Mary Lorson
Release date
Running time
26 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

"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.2

Release

Barrier Device premiered at the 2002 CAAMFest.1

Reception

Awards

Year Organization Award Recipient Result Ref
2002 Student Academy Awards Silver medal Grace Lee Won 3
2002 Urbanworld Film Festival Grand Jury Prize Grace Lee Won 4
2002 Palm Springs International Film Festival Best Short over 15 Minutes Grace Lee Won 5
2002 Directors Guild of America Best Asian American Film Grace Lee Won 6
2002 San Diego Asian Film Festival Best Narrative Short Barrier Device Won 7
References

References

  1. Marquez, Mayra (May 5, 2002). "All eyes on Lee". Daily Bruin. Retrieved October 5, 2014.
  2. Ryan, Tim (January 25, 2007). "Slamdance: Interview with "American Zombie"'s Grace Lee". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved October 5, 2014.
  3. "25 NEW FACES OF INDEPENDENT FILM 2002". Filmmaker (Summer 2002). Retrieved October 4, 2014.
  4. Oei, Lily (August 12, 2002). "Urban fest fetes 'Manito'". Variety. Retrieved October 5, 2014.
  5. Berkshire, Geoff (August 12, 2002). "Palm laurels go to 'Wormhole'". Variety. Retrieved October 5, 2014.
  6. McNary, Dave (October 23, 2002). "DGA honors student helmers". Variety. Retrieved October 5, 2014.
  7. "SDAFF Award Winners | Pacific Arts Movement". pacarts.org. Archived from the original on April 19, 2018. Retrieved April 27, 2018.
Further reading

Further reading

External links