The thought of an indie film about a struggling guitar player teaming up with a C-list TV star may inspire cringes in potential viewers. It certainly sounds like a festival film you’ve already seen. Did I mention that the guitar player was quietly pining for his ex to fill the emotional heartache quota? And that the film is shot in black and white? Despite what these revelations may do to your preconceived notions, Surrogate Valentine is a genuinely funny and enjoyable film that transcends these indie film cliches. The aforementioned guitar player is Goh, co-writer Goh Nakamura essentially playing himself in the lead role. He’s a musician trying his best to make it, teaching guitar lessons and playing shows all along the West coast, but particularly trying to make a dent in the Seattle music scene. When his friend Amy (Joy Osmanski) offers him a paid gig teaching a TV star how to play guitar for her indie film, which is kinda sorta based on Goh and his relationship with Rachel (Lynn Chen), who he still has feelings for, he reluctantly agrees, dragging Danny Turner (Chadd Stoops) along with him on a road trip to Seattle.

Meet Jimmy. He lives on his own. He just wants to find a job so that he doesn’t have to live in the park anymore. Won’t you help him out and see his movie?