Maria Tran

LAST MINUTE: Maria Tran 27th Birthday | 28 Jan 2012

2012-01-26T18:45:00.000-08:00

Arrghh! It's almost my 27th birthday! Time does fly when you are having fun. I'm celebrating in the most casual way this Sat @ 7.30pm at The Shed, 6 Carramar Ave, Carramar, 2163. Its probably a slash between my Digital Series team meet as well as a good get together with all my extended friends.

Naturally, the people I know would hit the clubs in celebration in the city, but I just can help back making my out here in the west, booze free but lotsa love.

Also, it is last minute so I'm definitely keen to know who would rock up!

Overall, 2011 has been a whirlwind year of spectacular achievements and I think my 27th will mark plenty more excitement to come.

Here's the open invite, just RSVP at maria.tran85@gmail.com.

Oh yeah, I'll also dag it out with a movie that is just as old and me. At 8.30pm, we will be settling with "My Science Project"with the pressing suggestion by my film buddy, Adrian Castro.

One Day In Cabramatta - Have your story involved!

2012-01-24T07:18:00.000-08:00

We are currently inviting the community to be part a book of your personal stories about living/ working/ studying/ connecting with Cabramatta. You can write it or draw it; in English or Vietnamese, contribute in your way to this great storytelling initiative!

Click here for the storycard http://www.scribd.com/doc/79222272/One-Day-Contributors-Cardpad

The series of "Once Upon A Time In Cabramatta" is now all online for the next 30 days.

Episode I

Episode II

Episode III

POST EVENT: Once Upon A Time In Cabramatta - Ep. 3 Screening

2012-01-22T18:32:00.000-08:00

Date: Sun 22nd Jan, 2012
Location: Fairfield School of Arts, 19 Harris St, Fairfield.

Last night was a full on event for "Once Upon A Time In Cabramatta" Episode 3 screening. Up to 100 people from all walks of life gathered together despite the busy Lunar New Year celebrations that coincide it. Additional chairs were pulled out to accommodate for late comers who were keen to watch it in the communal space.

This was possibly the only get together of a large number of people to engage in a particular show. Anyone could watch it in the comforts of their own home or stream it off online. But to bring it to the big screens was another feel. It was somewhat cinematic and moreso important because everyone had the opportunity to see a cross section of reactions and post event met that they can also put forth their opinions.

It was also about bringing the stories back to the community and we were lucky enough to have the presence of Heather Oxfam and Katharine Anderson from SBS mingled with the community and heard them out.

Tony Hoang & Joe Le (interviewees) were also present and gave their honest opinions of what they show had done for them and where they are now.

Other people in the audience also chimed in to give their public comments which adds to the community spirit of contribution in voices.

In summary of the three part series, despite what bitter comments the Once Upon A Time in Cabramatta Facebook endured, or its top 2 trending status on twitter, this is a project that has profound community and nation-wide value. People were empowered, provoked, stimulated to think and reflect. Some may have been enraged. Others have cried, smiled and reminscent. Overall, they talked. Amongst themselves, between their peers, watched their show with their families, shared links on facebook. It was never something that went under the radar. This is the power of "storytelling".

Just a quick note, I wanted to thank my team on the night who helped me pull it together; Thuy Ng (Initiator), Adrian Castro (Live broadcast techie), Wendy La (Video person), Quan Tran (Photographer), Danielle Antaki (Set up) and Andy Ko (Technie).

To watch all 3 parts, click below:
Episode I: As thousands of refugees pour into the Sydney suburb of Cabramatta the first Vietnamese community in Australia is born. But it’s not long before problems arise.

The family structure so important in Vietnamese culture has been obliterated by the War. The security of this life gone, young refugees find a sense of belonging through criminal gangs. A lost generation is born onto the streets of Cabramatta.

Australia is simply not ready to cope with this huge influx of refugees and the problems that arrive with them. And as the cracks begin to show on the streets there is a fracturing of political support for multiculturalism at a national level. The future of Cabramatta and the Vietnamese community in Australia appears precarious.

Episode II: The first political assassination in the history of Australia leaves the Vietnamese people of Cabramatta demonised and vilified – the community and the ideals of multiculturalism itself are in tatters.

9.30pm Monday, September 4th, 1994, police are called to a house at 15 Woods Avenue, Cabramatta following reports of gunshots. They discover the body of John Newman, the state MP for Cabramatta, lying in the driveway of his home. He has been shot dead. The Vietnamese already vilified for propping up a criminal culture are now deemed guilty of committing Australia's first political assassination.

Newman’s killing plays into a wider concern that is brewing in Australia, particularly in conservative politics, that Asians are a threat to the social cohesion of a nation. The police hit back with highly orchestrated campaigns to rid Cabramatta’s streets of drugs and crime. There is limited success.

The only real hope is that the community, so vilified and fractured, will somehow find its own way to overcome its problems.

Episode III: As a new millennium beckons, the streets of Cabramatta remain in the dark ages, infested by drugs and crime but slowly the Vietnamese community, so quiet for so long, find their voice.

The 8.04 ‘junkie express’ pulls into Cabramatta train station. By lunchtime at least one thousand users will have arrived. It’s like this everyday. 100 dealers, many teenagers, buzz around the streets. Self made entrepreneurs in a local black market economy of drugs and gangland crime. The police struggle to keep control. It’s 1999 and Cabramatta’s never had it so bad.

Asians and crime are indelibly linked in the minds of many. Political support for multiculturalism is now a distant memory.

The only hope is that the community itself, so vilified and fractured, will somehow finds its own way to overcome its problems. Slowly but surely they do.

A Parliamentary Inquiry is finally forced and for the first time the problems and needs of Cabramatta are met head on.

The Vietnamese, so quite for so long, find their voice. Cabramatta becomes a community transformed. Australia, a continent changed forever.

UPDATES: Life...In the Fast Insomniac Lane

2012-01-21T16:57:00.000-08:00

Chilling out at North Stradbroke Island

Date: Sat, 21 Jan, 2012
Location: Its been a pit-a-pat-a day. I'm home now.

Oh dear...My last blog has been over a month ago. December 2011 ended with an entanglement of intertwining projects, the biggest on my plate was the research and production work on "Once Upon A Time In Cabramatta", in between filling the role as workshop trainer for the "Twinning Project" with schools across Western Sydney and Griffith and connecting the dots in the "One Day in Cabramatta" engagement as managed by Information & Cultural Exchange (ICE) and SBS. The has been plenty of hard hitting challenges along the way, and a string of lovers and haters and come and go and sometimes even poke in to say "Congratulations" or wave the index finger at me saying "sell out".

A big lesson this year is, you can never please everybody, nor do you have to. I've learnt a very nifty trick that I've used time and time again, especially to the critics, "What have you done to address this problem/ opportunity/ situation?". It is so easy to point fingers to who's irresponsible, who's doing a bad job, the woulds, the coulds and the shoulds. People who are quick to judge need to beware. If you haven't done anything, sit down and shut up. What I've learnt is I can say that now. Instead of defending myself, shine the mirror of reflection outwards and gage the reaction.

Other highlights in 2011 was the numerous travels to Melbourne for the collaborative work with Youcake! Production on "Interpretations" and their assistance to make my "Quest for Jackie Chan! - Who Am I" Shoot a possibility.

The Asian Australian Film Forum, held in Melbourne late last year was another good moment for reflection on identity and a communal think tank opportunity for all of us to continue the good works we do. Check out the awesome video I compiled for them here.

I started joining the 9Lives Team and also Invincible Worldwide in December. Together they help me figure out the stunning "Quest for Jackie Chan! Playground Shoot".

I made my film buddy Adrian Castro my co-producer for the "Quest for Jackie Chan!" and that was a good jump start move to getting the project finished. He has been helping me with the shoots, marketing and in general, film watching.

Finally, who could resist free trips around the world, courtesy of once a stranger and now a promising pal, Trung Ly - Head of Dong Tam Association, the most long standing martial arts lion dancing team in Sydney. In 10 crazy days we managed to go to Singapore, Malaysia and my favorite place - Japan. Travelling really opens your eyes to the world and all the little problems back home is meaningless when you step back and see the world in an interactive lens.

You might ask, so what's your day job? The 9-5 thing you do that gives you the bread and butter to you know, survive? Lol! All I have to say is, the life of a freelancer is a turbulent one. I haven't had a week's rest and often juggling 2-3 jobs in one go. The pay is still there, but a field like this requires more energy expenditure than the 9-5 one. I believe the rewards are much more higher, and those nagging little kiddish dreams are much more possible.

So what's 2012 in store for me? My birthday is coming up on the 30th and I'll be a good 27 this year. I'm heading to Hawaii and then Hong Kong pretty soon and I guess my focus this year is getting back into martial arts training if time permits, acting and filmmaking. But most importantly, finish on the "Quest for Jackie Chan!". I believe if you put your mind to it, anything is possible.

Peace out and lots of love,

Maria Tran

Behind-the-scenes/ Vlog - Quest for Jackie Chan! - "First Strike" Scene

2011-12-17T02:00:00.000-08:00

Date: Sun, 11 Dec, 2011
Time: 9am-6pm
Location: Marrickville, NSW, Australia

Another day and another fight sequence to complete. Jackie Chan made two films in Australia, one being "Mr Nice Guy" and the other "First Strike". I chose to do a playback of the scene where he uses all sorts of things to fight back the other guys and I've even gone as so far as making the overalls! (literally dyed yellow and painted black).

This was the first time I worked with Alan La, James Nguyen, Kevin Tran and David Wong, together in a group fight sequence with flying paper, sticks, tables and a ladder. It was great to be under the supervision of Adrian Castro (co-producer and fight choreographer) and also the DOP work of Justin Gong.

We had extra support from a hard working production and camera support team: Guido Gonzales, David Cheng, Thuy Ng, Wendy La, Teresa Pham, Ben Cao, Jane Le, Tony Dinh. Special thanks to Craig Anderson (Craig FX) for letting us use the studio and a backdrop.

I think the vibe has been going strong with the quest. Despite being no-budget, the production itself showcases individual characters in team work situations. With that in mind, the spirit of making something out of nothing, venturing through the hard yards to get to where our dreams live.

There is still plenty more to get involved and still a lot of work to do. But this is my destiny project shared with my many comrades who have the same vision and comes with me on a journey to present something epic in action comedy from downunder.

If you like what we represent, support our page! http://www.facebook.com/QuestforJackieChan

CASTING AUDITIONS: Vietnamese/ Korean Movie - Nguyen Thi Hoa

2011-12-08T05:17:00.000-08:00

There is a new independent film directed by Seewoo Kim, produced by Andy Minh Trieu &; Holen Jin called "Nguyen Thi Hoa". They are in the current final stages of casting for themain Vietnamese roles in Australia.

Hoa (25-30):Hoa is an introvert but is a determined character who pursues her objectives silently and does not give up easily. She graduated a prestigious university and works in a large law firm.

Jennifer (25-30):Jennifer has a bright personality and as a second generation American. She thinks more like an American than Korean. She has just completed her intern and is on her first job as a doctor.

Linh (55-60):Linh fled Vietnam after the war and spent some time in a Cambodian refugee camp where she met an Australian soldier and moved to Australia with him and Hoa.She has many emotional scars but has great endurance, and accepts life in a calm manner.

The final casting session is on this SATURDAY, 9.45am-6pm, in Carramar. This is a great opportunity to try yourself our at auditions, meet the director and producers and learn a thing or two with acting.

[E]andyminhtrieu@gmail.com

The film is set in LA America, Sydney Australia and Cam Ranh,Vietnam. It features predominantly Korean characters but rather than reflecting their particular cultural perspective a more general human values becomes the focus. The film is presented like a play transported onto the screen. The scenes oscillate between limited space and features past and present, scene overlapping scene, space on space and character upon character in the same time frame and space.

TRAINING: Casulahahaha! Comedy Workshops - Lina Kastoumis

2011-11-29T15:41:00.000-08:00

Last year I wanted to badly to do a bit of stand up comedy, but unfortunately didn't have the balls to at the Takeout Hong Kong Comedy Club. I recall salivating at other people's punchlines and comical stories while also figuring out my own comical life. But hey, with anything, you would need some training and guess what? here's an opportunity not to miss if you want to tick off "comedy" as a part of your life's bucket list. The uber cool funny lady and friend of mine, Lina Kastoumis will be running this one at the Casula Powerhouse so if you are really really keen. Register now! It FREE!

Starting in November the Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre will be launching a series of workshops that will explore and document the love our community has for comedy.

Facilitators will get out and about, welcoming people to be part of workshops and sharing sessions with the aim of finding out:

- What cracks you up?
- What is the funniest thing that ever happened to you?
- Who are your favourite comedians and funny people?

In February, leading on from the workshops, Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre will invite a Comedian In Residence to work with people we met in the workshops to pull together ‘Double Whammy’, a laugh-out-loud night that takes you to the funny spots, people and ideas found in the Casula neighbourhood. Not your usual “comedian on a microphone stand” – Casulahahaha hopes to explore new forms of comedy and invite individuals and communities to help our Comedian in Residence put together something completely unique..and hilarious.

Stay tuned to find out who our Comedian in Residence will be.

To register your interest for our workshops and be kept up to date with all the information on this program register your interest simply click on the link below.

Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre (CPAC) & Lina Kastoumis presents

CASULAHAHAHA

Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre will be launching a series of workshops that will explore and document the love our community has for comedy. Participants will be given the opportunity to share funny stories, learn about the art of comedy or give their comedy ideas a go, all in a comfortable and welcoming environment.

The first stage:

Comedy Cafe
Site down, relax, share funny stories, your favourite TV/Film comedy clips. We want to know - what makes you laugh?

December
Thursday 1 2-4pm

Saturday 3 2-4pm

Wednesday 7 2-4pm
Wednesday 14 2-4pm

Comedy, Yes we can!
Want to have a go at developing a comedy idea? Comic monologue? Sketches? Physical Comedy? Comedy short video script? Come on down and shine!

December
Saturday 10 2-4pm
Saturday 17 2-4pm
Wednesday 21 2-4pm

To be part of this exciting project contact lina Kastoumis 0410 117 069 or
linakastoumis@gmail.com .
Or visit www.casulapowerhouse.com/programevent/casulahahaha.aspx

UPDATES: Quest for Jackie Chan! "Gangland Showdown" Scene

2011-11-29T12:44:00.000-08:00

Things have been trucking along quite well. The project is gaining momentum. Bold ideas have now formulated to action. I've been doing back to back shoots of the film and additional scenes (as inspired by Cabramatta's turbulent history of gang and triads in the 90s). The additional scenes is what blends the past with a reinterpretation that is refreshingly comedic and fun.

After the initial rehearsals of the "Gangland Showdown" Scene on Friday (Check our pic below)

Rehearsal Night

featuring a man with a publicly notorious past, Joe Le ("The Finished People") helped with the authentic touches of what gang leaders who roamed Cabramatta in the bad days were like and particularly why the kids did what they did, which is really much more complex than what the media headlined.

Most of the talent playing these gang member roles were mainly new to the who acting arena, with the exceptions of Quan Tran and Khanh Trieu. But it was great to see everyone giving it a go, exploring their boundaries for the performing arts and reclaiming the streets with something artistic and different.

PRODUCTION: As usual, I was nervous as anything, because I wasn't sure what would go down. 25 actors playing gang members in the heart of Cabramatta (days after some muggings and attempted kidnappings on the streets) was a bit of a risk. Even Joe expressed his surprised, even in the presence of Cabramatta's CCTV cameras that the cops didn't bother us.

The whole cast and crew

Some fun scenes that started the night was Farid Farid's rescue from a migrant bag. He popped out of the bag all topless, and sweaty with a comical response of "Thanks for the rescue". I couldn't stop laughing watching the rushes.

Another one was when we were filming the scene where the gangsters entered the alley way and one of them (Kevin Tran) slipped out of frame on a small cherry.

I was so pleased to have Adrian Castro (co-producer/ camera operator) managed the logistical shots and getting as many different variations for me to explore in the editing room. Thanks also to Justin Gong (who unfortunately was sick) for the equipment.

Other people I saw developed further was Thuy Ng (Production manager), Sophea Ergo (Sound) and Quan Tran (Photographer).

Farid Farid (in bag), Sophea Ergo (Sound), Maria Tran (director/ actor) & Adrian Castro (Co-producer/ DOP)

Quan Tran (Actor/ photographer), Thuy (Production manager/ First AD), Adrian Castro, Maria Tran and Farid Farid

Quan Tran, Kevin Tran, Khanh Trieu, Joe Le, James Nguyen, David Wong and Roger.

Next up is Quest for Jackie Chan! "First Strike" Scene due on the Sunday, 11th of December, 2011, 10-4pm. That one will involve some fully sick action packed choreography with hand to hand combat, stick fight as well as furniture throwing. the production is looking for some production assistants who can help with sound, lighting or camera work. Come on board and learn some more skills! Email me at maria.tran@questforjackiechan.com.

Behind-the-scenes/ Vlog - Q4JC - "Who Am I" Scene | Maria Tran vs Chris Pang

2011-11-20T21:37:00.000-08:00

Chris Pang vs Maria Tran. "Like" the Quest for Jackie Chan! on Facebook!

Time: 7.00am-1pm
Date: Sunday, 13th of November, 2011
Location: Melbourne

I must have had the dragon on my side because it didn't rain during my shoot! After choreographing some of the fight movements in Sydney and practicing it on fellow filmmaker, Adrian Castro, Thuy Ng and Alan La, finally we took it down to Melbourne.

It was a tightly scheduled day but we just had to get the shots (and we did). I would like to extend my special thanks to Somchay Phakonkham (DOP/ Camera - Reinvent Productions), Rob Hammad (Powderman and production assistant), Andy Minh Trieu (Assistant fight choreography), Jack Ngu (Camera Assistant), Quan Tran (Stills Photography) &; Christopher Pang (a.k.a "Tomorrow When The War Began" & "Citizen Jia Li") + Desmond.

Currently, it has been edited and now handed over to Adrian Castro for the sound design. Looking forward to seeing this one in the movie. Please 'like' our page!

Jack, Desmond, Somchay, Maria, Chris, Andy, Rob (red clipboard) & Peter

Mini blog account by Melbourne-based graphic designer - Peter Dang:

Hi Guys,

Just taking this opportunity to say thanks for having me onboard the 4JC (Melb shoot) It was a very different & fun experience for me personally. I never realise how much effort and love is involved in such a small yet large project.

You guys each have unique qualities which sums up an awesome team. I am more than happy to part take or help out whenever I can, so let's not be strangers ey

I love the closeness and down to earth personalities you guys posess! I reckon you guys will succeed in whatever you put your mind to. So, In summary I'll like to give you guys my overview on how I see each person I met on the day.

Maria: There is no surprise with you, strong, extroverted and very confident, you've got a lot of balls for a chick! Kick ass personality.. nice seeing you speak @ panel, very lively and engaging with the audience! good stuff!

Somchay: Small world, I've seen your work before but never knew the master mind behind it (because of you vid - youcake)

Flipped out when I saw you spin the camera on one of the fighting scenes, awesome technique and cool personality.

From all the panel speakers on Sunday, I like your style the most.. Keeping it real and say it how it is.

Quan: if I could describe you in one word "Deep" you speak from the heart, I respect this quality about you.

Pang: lol, comedian ...it's good to be working with comedians, it's always nice to have fun in everything we do. Haven't seen your TWTWE yet, but will definitely let you know my thoughts when I do get around to it.

Jack: Jack, a 'strange' character, you make me laugh man.. you also make me question about your sexuality? (do you get this often? lol)

Rob: The secret philosopher, Love @ first site with you.. I throughly enjoyed our conversations and do look forward to seeing your Anchovies movie once it's all ready to go. PS: Sorry, but I filmed your ass crack (BTS) just had to! lol lol lol

And Finally Andy, Hmmm.. pretty boy love the martial arts; pretty boy perhaps just the coverup, when you were doing the cherography, You were really zoned into your character. Gl with the kids

Well; Once again thank you Maria for the opportunity, and it was nice meeting you all. Looking forward to more future fun with you guys. All the best ^^

Peter

TV SHOW PILOT: Team 11 - Looking for Extras!

2011-11-09T16:28:00.000-08:00

Like our "Page"!

I'm super duper excited about this show concept getting shot next weekend. From the makers of ABC's TV Show "Double The Fist" in collaboration with a whirlwind writing force of Belinda King and Sarah Duffy, this one is surely bound to be a hit.

At the moment, the show is looking for EXTRAS for a scene shot on the 19th & 20th of November, 2011. Please email eewinkler@gmail.com your headshots please.

Genre: Drama comedy

About: Sarah, Belinda, Craig and Eleanor are making a pilot for an awesome new series we are going to pitch to the major TV networks and we need your help to make it happen! Please like us on facebook and stay up to date with current developments!

If you love netball and you love comedy, then you will absolutely love Team 11!

Team 11 explores the lives of seven different women, who have one thing in common- their love of netball. In the tradition of great underdog sporting stories, Team 11 tells the story of a rag tag team of misfits that no one else wanted on their team.

The series is set over one season of netball as they team joins forces to win acceptance and respect on and off the court.

The comedy is fast, wry and infectious. The drama is juicy, sexy and addictive.

Written and conceived by seasoned TV writer Sarah Duffy and Award Winning writer and filmmaker Belinda King.

Produced by Tropfest Winner Eleanor Winkler and directed by AFI Award winner Craig Anderson.

Starring- Loani Arman, Megan Drury, Belinda King, Maria Tran, GeorginaSymes, Brooke Ryan, Sarah Duffy

Directed by: CraigAnderson

Written by: Sarah Duffy & Belinda King

TEST SHOOT: "Who Am I" Scene #2

2011-11-05T18:17:00.000-07:00

Carpark standoff - Adrian Castro & Maria Tran

Take this block...man....

Dammit! Where am I?

I can see you, with my left eye....

Maria Tran, Adrian Castro & Alan LA

Date: Saturday, 5th of November, 2011
Time: 8.30-12pm
Venue: Lidcombe

Today, myself, Adrian Castro and our first time on the Quest for Jackie Chan! Alan La all got together to do Test Shoot #2 - Who Am I. Last week we tested it out indoors with Thuy Ng as the cameraperson and the edits came together pretty well. The time round we had the chance to tweak things up, work in a real environment to get the shots.

I think we most of become a little strokish and I had a hard time remembering bits of the choreography we came up last week. A few injuries here (got punched in the boob and Adrian almost K.O Alan) and there and some external factors that we didn't have control (uneven surfaces that meant the dolly couldn't do a good job.

We decked up a bit. I was in semi "Jackie Chan" gear with a over-the-top wig (that had dramas of it's own) and Adrian Castro was filling in for Christopher Pang.

Check out the vlogs/ behind the scenes for this week and I'm sorry I can upload you the testers, all a secret until the movie comes out. :)

EVENT: Noam Chomsky In Cabramatta!

2011-11-05T16:13:00.000-07:00

Ali Kadhim, Noam Chomsky & Maria Tran in Cabramatta!

Date: 4th November, 2011
Venue: Cabramatta High School

Noam Chomsky (or what call him - "Mr Nom Nom") is perhaps one of the most exciting academics you can ever meet. He is a brilliant man, holding over 40 degrees in Universities around the world, most importantly, he is a man is extraordinary speaking power, he's got guts, in psychology, science, linguistics, arts etc... and in general, "LIFE" active.

I am aware of his anti-fans as well, labelling him as a "self hating Jew", "dishonest" and "evil". Personally, I still don't get that, nor do I care really. His affects have been why profound that its has given me a closer look into my own life. That is what matter right? How I feel about myself and how I want to engage in the world.

So what do I take from "Mr Nom Nom"? Well, I was lazy academic (struggling to finish my psychology degree back in the days) so I'm not to big on the reading, but I take from Noam Chomsky inspiration and hope.

And yes, is what the next generation needs, hope and inspiration to continue and also a critical thinking capacity. Questioning things, thinking in "What ifs" and being fearless to speech your mind.

So Noam Chomsky as a person....he's is actually a really relatable and fun character. Even though he's in his 80s, there is still so much zest and contagious energy about him. I was eyeballing him everywhere when he arrived, I had this vision that he was going to arrive in a motorcade and wearing some sort of powersuit, looking all serious and adult. But no, he just strolls through registration, in his blue jumper and jeans, hands in his pockets and grinning like a school boy.

He was a little hard on the hearing, and when he was on the podium, he was left standing a couple of times, but Noam was so relaxed and cheery, and you know what, I sure hope to be like that when I reach 80.

Question time!

What I like about Noam is he is so effortless in what he does. He actively listens and engages and I was so thrilled to have gotten a chance to ask him a few (basic - keeping it real) questions with my digital camera (sorry for the bad audio). Yes, he listens, and he thinks deep and hard and gives you his genuine responses. Something that even adults and what I term "oldies" have trouble conveying (like my parents, they just give me real lectures]).

Overall, I like that its about keeping it real, not what you know, but what you can do. Noam doesn't come across as a know-it-all. He doesn't present things in absolute truths. He presents things as a question mark that give people content to think further than they are use to.

I almost forgot to add, big up to Cabramatta High School for getting him out west! I think his present in from of the 2,000 locals have sent a newfound sense of energy to an amazing community (Western Sydney yo!) who are always on the search for positive change and action.

Anyhow, check out my video on Mr Nom Nom.

Some other cool videos to check out includes:
Ali G Interviews Noam Chomsky

On the topic of Leadership ...or not!

2011-10-29T01:03:00.000-07:00

The past few weeks I've been in interesting discussions, locally and internationally about the topic of leadership. I was particularly keen to notice difference between what a leader is, in comparison to, a follower. To my note, I particularly found out that even people in potential leadership positions, are unfortunate to have a follower's way of thinking and in the long run, just cannot last.

I mean, I don't mind followers, but it takes a great deal of time and effort when a follower pretends to be a leader. You know, those know it all people, who people don't really respect because for a couple main reasons. They don't have vision (even though they assume so), they talk so much about passion (but cannot communicate it), such bad decision makers (either they sit on the fence, change their minds back and forth or are so reliant on friends to help them figure it out), they are a team destroyer (through backstabbing behaviours where they go around talking to different members of a group) and finally, they just have no character.

Without character, you are a goner. Great leaders have a great sense and understanding of the self. People who are nervous and defensive make people (team members) question their abilities and therefore lose their sense of trust.

Anyhow, here is a pretty nifty summary of what leader vs follower looks like:

When leaders make a mistake, they say, "I was wrong."

When followers make mistakes, they say, "It wasn't my fault."

A leader works harder than a follower and has more time;

a follower is always "too busy" to do what is necessary.

A leader goes through a problem; a follower goes around it and never gets past it.

A leader makes and keeps commitments

a follower makes and forgets promises.

A leader says, "I'm good, but not as good as I ought to be;"

a follower says, "I'm not as bad as a lot of other people."

Leaders listen; followers just wait until it's their turn to talk.

Leaders respect those who are superior to them and tries to learn something from them; followers resent those who are superior to them and try to find chinks in their armor.

Leaders feel responsible for more than their job;followers say, "I only work here."

"There ought to be a better way to do this;"followers say, "That's the way it's always been done here."

1st Test Fight Shoot - Who Am I? - With Adrian Castro and Maria Tran

2011-10-28T21:49:00.000-07:00

Behind the Scenes and having fun!

In contrast to people unwinding for the weekend, I saw myself, Adrian Castro and Thuy Ng at our little den, the Shed and choreographing and shooting a test scene for the much anticipated Quest for Jackie Chan! Who Am I Scene, featuring Christopher Pang in Melbourne this year.

Its been a long time since I shot something for the film. In fact, I was so busy with my 2-3 job juggle that I wasn't sure if I was ever to finish the thing. But now, I've formalised that Adrian Castro will be a co-producer and Thuy Ng will the production manager so they are both kicking my arse on getting it done.

The meeting started up with a discussion between myself and Adrian on what we have left to shot...which is lots.... especially when it changed from being a standard documentary to a crazy weird ass dream sequence laden doco drama (I don't know how it will turn out, but ***k, its fun to make!)

But I'm so glad that we have finally drew a line what content goes in and what stays out and the other scenes will be underway.

Fight Sequence Practice

At 9-11pm, we started to do some chorie and shot practice to see if we can come up with some slick sequences, and to my surprise, it didn't look too bad either. Of cause there was continuity issues etc...but overall, the edit was its "movie magic" and worked out find. I was pretty happy that I'm starting to develop the 'eye' for chorie and what works well and doesn't. On top of that, always have test shots, particularly when we are working with fight chorie.

So what's next? I'll be working out the Melbourne shoot in terms of location and a tight 5 max crew, but in between, working on developing the other scenes as well.

Come on! Lets finish the Quest for Feb 2012!

Switch Digital Arts Centre OPEN DAY Invitation // November 10

2011-10-27T22:25:00.000-07:00

My place of pride and joy! Come and be a part of the opening that is happening in two weeks time! I use to work for these guys for more than 2 years and they are my source of inspiration in letting me think outside the box and pursue my dreams of acting and filmmaking. So if you got a burning project etc...connect with them!

Activities: Live Performances, arts seminars, digital showcase, workshops, Artfiles exhibition, Hub resident Meet & Greet, live art, BBQ, audio experiments, red carpet reception and more!

10 years ago, ICE opened a lab of recycled computers in an empty shopfront in Parramatta to test Western Sydney’s first community digital arts access space Switch was born on Darcy St, and then took up residence for six years in Granville. It’s been a decade-long journey to turn the dream of an amazing, high-tech space for community digital production and exchange into a reality.

In November 2010 ICE officially launched our shiny, refurbished Switch Digital Arts Centre in the heart of Parramatta, linking us into the city’s growing arts and cultural precinct. Switch building refurbishment and technology upgrade was made with support from the Australian Government (Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations) and the NSW Goverment (Community Building Partnerships, Arts NSW and the Department of Human Services- Community Services). We couldn’t have achieved this without ten years of support from our Switch partnership with Parramatta City Council, the generous lease from the Catholic Diocese, or the continuing support of our core funding bodies (Arts NSW, Australia Council for the Arts, Screen NSW and NSW Department of Community Services – Human Services).

ICE has settled in, and we’ve had many visitors through our doors. We’re ready now to see the venue really Switch it on!

Where: 8 Victoria Rd, Parramatta, (Cnr Villiers St)

When: 4-8pm, 10 November

Cost: FREE

RSVP: info@ice.org.au / 02 9897 5744

Asian Australian Film Forum Films and Panels Event

2011-10-26T07:09:00.000-07:00

‘Lion Dancers’ animation by Matt Huynh

Date: 12 – 13 November 2011
Venue: Centre of Adult Education, 253 Flinders Lane, Melbourne City.

www.asianaustralianfilmforum.com |
E: contactaaff@gmail.com
Twitter: @AAFF2011

PROGRAM
AAFF is a free event. Early registrations encouraged contactaaff@gmail.com

SATURDAY 12 NOVEMBER 2011

SATURDAY 12 NOVEMBER 2011

9.30am Registration

10am – 10.30am

Introduction:

Welcome by AAFF Co-Chairs:

Mr Amadeo Marquez-Perez
Dr Indigo Willing OAM

Opening Address:

Annette Shun Wah (AAFF Special Guest)

10.30 – 11.30am

Panel 1: ‘On The Screen Scene – Getting AA Stories Seen’: With a focus on the directors, scriptwriters, producers and marketers, this panel aims to look behind the scenes at how Asian Australian stories make it to the screen as well as Australian audiences relationship with films from Asia and Asian diasporas. Panel chair: Amadeo Marquez-Perez. Panel speakers: Jiao Chen, Heng Tang, Maria Tran, Kieran Tully

11.35am – 12.15pm

Selected short films: RED WATER RED directed by Qing Xie. WONDER BOY directed by Corrie Chen. Followed by Q & A with Corrie Chen by Amadeo Marquez-Perez

12.15 – 1.00pm

Break – Lunch at everyone’s own cost.
Also ft. special lunch time screenings: LION DANCERS by Matt Huynh, NO DIRECTION KNOWN by Plum Jungle ft. Michael ‘Tokyo Love In’ Chin, Pete Longworth and dir. Christopher Baron)

1.00 – 1.45am

Selected short films: FORGET ME NOT directed by Emily Dean, BABY CAKE directed by Pearl Tan & feature film, AAFF Shout outs video

2.00pm – 3.00pm

Panel 2: ‘Asian Faces and Cultural Spaces’: Actors and TV Presenters discuss the contributions that Asian Australians, Asian diasporas, and international films have made to film and TV, including their own work. Panel chair: Annette Shun Wah. Panel speakers: Andy Trieu, PJ Madam, Susanna Qian, Joyce Yuen

3.15pm – 5.30pm

Discussion & Feature Film: Q and A with actor Christopher Pang and director Sky Crompton, and screening of CITIZEN JIA LI.
6pm – there will be a casual drinks and chat at venue tba (at everyone’s own cost)

SUNDAY 13 NOVEMBER 2011

9.30am Registration

10.00am – 11.30am

Selected short films: TRO VE (HOMECOMING) directed by Quan Tran, DEADLINE directed by Joy Hopwood, RETURNING HOME AND FINDING…FAITH, CHARITY, HOPE directed by Sofie Kim, OPERATION REUNITE directed by Dominic Golding, TRANSIT directed by Tony Davison.

11.45 – 12.45pm

Panel 3: ‘Cross Cultural Perspectives’: Explores insights on issues of family, friendship and belonging found in films with an international focus including Asian transmigrants in Australia, Asian Americans in Hollywood, and stories of Asian transnational adoptees. Panel chair: Pearl Tan. Panel speakers: Dominic Golding, Sofie Kim, Dr Jane Chi Hyun Park

12.45 – 1.30pm

Break - Lunch at everyone’s own cost.

1.30pm – 2pm

Selected short films: THE PROBATIONER directed by Huu Tran, CHUNGKING ALL STATIONS Trailer directed by Jack Ngu, BULLIES directed by Somchay Phakonkham and Maria Tran, and TEASER/TRAILER for ROSES ARE DEAD directed by Min Tran

2.00pm – 3.00pm

Panel 4: ‘New Visions, New Voices: Indy and Emerging Perspectives’: This panel aims to explore independent films, video screen culture and fresh perspectives and approaches on Internet mediums such as youtube and through community engagement. Panel chair: Maria Tran. Panel speakers: Somchay Phakonkham, Huu Tran, Min Tran,Yu Ye Wu.

3.15pm – 5.30pm

Closing Film ‘Mother Fish’ by Khoa Do

GUEST SPEAKERS

AAFF Special Guest (Opening address & panel chair):

ANNETTE SHUN WAH

Actor, writer, broadcaster
Founder of Performance 4A
Based: Sydney

Annette is an author, producer and actor, best known as presenter of TV programs such as The Noise, Studio 22 and Media Dimensions. Recently, she devised, wrote, and directed the mobile phone app ‘China Heart‘, which uses dramatised video, oral history and gaming to explore family and community in Sydney’s Chinatown. With Performance 4a, she produced a season of Asian Australian performance – including Stories East & West - a theatrical storytelling show co-directed with William Yang. Nominated for an AFI Award for her performance in the feature film, Floating Life, she has appeared in guest roles on Packed to the Rafters, Crownies, Always Greener andYoung Lions.

PANEL SPEAKERS:

in alphabetical order

CORRIE CHEN

Writer/DirectorInvolved with: Staple FictionBased: Melbourne

Born in Taiwan and raised in Melbourne, Corrie is a graduate of the prestigious VCA School of Film and Television. During her time there she wrote and directed Happy Country (2008) and Wonder Boy (2010). Both films have screened at numerous festivals both locally and internationally. Corrie was selected for the Accelerator Talent Camp program at the 2009 Melbourne International Film Festival with Happy Country,and Wonder Boy made its international premiere at the prestigious Munich International Festival of Film Schools in 2011.

She currently works with Sydney-based production house Staple Fiction, with whom she is developing a feature set in China, as well as being in development for another short. In her spare time she enjoys cold cuts, dumplings, and badminton. Which is not surprising then that in 2011 She is a recipient of Raw Nerve short film production initiative with her film, aptly titled Bruce Lee Played Badminton Too along with Producer Anna Kojevnikov.

JIAO CHEN

Producer, director, writerProduction Company: Staple FictionBased: Sydney

Jiao began his career by crewing on a range of local and international films and TV series including: Children of The Silk Road, Hunt Angels, Mao’s Last Dancer, East of Everything 2, and Rescue Special Ops. Jiao also spent a year working in development for feature film production company See Pictures. After gaining valuable filmmaking expertise by working with some of the industry’s best, Jiao is now developing a slate of his own stories for the big and small screens. His first long form project is an interactive transmedia documentary for SBS, which he is writing and directing. Outside of his own projects, Jiao freelances as a script reader/assessor and is currently undertaking a Screen NSW funded development attachment with Macgowan Films.

Jiao is committed to bold, innovative and culturally diverse storytelling.

SKY CROMPTON

Producer, director, writer, film & TV lecturer
Based: Melbourne

Sky’s current feature, Citizen Jia Li, is the story of a young Chinese immigrant making her home in Melbourne. The film has screened in the USA, Australia, and Northern Ireland. It was also nominated for Best Actress at MUFF 2011.

Recognized as an emerging producer at the Screen Producers Association of Australia (SPAA) conference 2003 and again in 2007 Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) [37 South Film Market], Sky was selected in 2008 to participate in X Media Lab Melbourne and a Jury member of the 2010 MUFF film festival. His research is in Asian transnational screen production, and he has given lectures and papers in Australia, Europe, and Asia.

DOMINIC GOLDING

Theatre artist, documentary maker, playwrightBased: Melbourne

Dominic completed his Honors in Directing and Politics in 1999 at Flinders University. In November 1999 he was awarded the R.A. Simpson International Traveling Scholarship to Vietnam, and has a MA in Theatre Arts from Monash University, graduating in 2010.

Dominic has worked with Huu Tran, Tony Le Nguyen, and Vietnamese Youth Media as an Assistant Director and performer on Aussie Bia Om, and has also featured in Viet Boys Downunder, wrote the screenplay and was lead actor in Shrimp, and is now working on his latest project Umbilical.

In 2010, he returned to Vietnam to meet up with Vietnamese war adoptees from around the world and record their experiences for a documentary in development.

PJ MADAM

Journalist, news presenter (SBS News)
Based: Sydney

PJ landed her first role in journalism in 2004 as an intern with Channel Nine News in Brisbane, earning her stripes before heading south to work for Nine News in Sydney. As a reporter and producer, she got a real taste for life in broadcast journalism – spending time on the road reporting, as well as in studio producing stories and bulletins.

PJ joined SBS as a reporter for World News Australia in 2008. During her time here she has covered major local and international events, including the canonisation of Mary MacKillop, two Australian federal elections, Kevin Rudd’s fall from leadership and the dumping of two NSW Premiers, the aftermath of the Samoan tsunami in September 2009, and Cyclone Yasi in February 2011. She was also SBS’s correspondent from London for the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in April 2011.

As well as reporting, PJ is one of a team who present SBS World News Australia – you’ll often find her anchoring the 9.30pm news bulletin.

SOMCHAY PHAKONKHAM

Director, producer
Production company: Reinvent Films
Based: Melbourne

Somchay’s love for filmmaking started in high school. He completed an advanced diploma in Film & TV Screen production at NMIT. Upon completion in 2004 he was picked up by 50 Kaliber Films. A Melbourne based production company that produced TVC for Mercedes, Honda, Ford and Suzuki. He later left the company in 2006, to focus more on feature films.

Since then, Somchay has worked on two independent Australian feature films, which were Little Black Dress and Eraser Children. He is currently starting up his own production company called Reinvent Films, and plans on producing his own feature films.

SOFIE KIM

Producer, director
Production Company: Lone Eskimo ProductionsBased: Melbourne

Added to the long list of career highlights including Music/TV/Documentary producer, Sofie Kim promotes Korea to Australians – with a difference…within the music industry.

From the Korean Rock Festivals of Pentaport (introducing artists such as Eskimo Joe, The Grates, End of Fashion) and Busan to Club gigs in Incheon, Sofie’s work of cross cultural promotion of the Australian/Korean Music Industry is a great example of bridging the gap between the two countries through the universal language of music.

Sofie has also been working with Neighbours as Live Music Producer for the past 2 years including inviting the first Asia (Korean) Band to perform on the show (which is broadcast to over 60 million viewers per week to more than 62 countries) as well as producing/filming her own tv show, Alone with Everybody, which aired on ABC2 and Ch31 (guests include Billy Bragg, Goyte & Felix Riebl from The Cat Empire).

DR JANE CHI HYUN PARK

Academic, author
Based: Sydney

Dr Park is the author of ‘Yellow Future: Oriental Style in Hollywood Cinema’, University of Minnesota Press, 2010, which examines the ideological role of Asiatic imagery in US films from the 1980s to the present. She is affiliated with the U.S. Studies Centre and the Asian Studies program and teaches in Gender and Cultural Studies. Her research focuses on representations of race, gender and sexuality, especially of Asian peoples and communities in popular media, including film and television.

PEARL TAN

Actor, director, producer
Production company: Pearly Productions
Based: Sydney

Pearl Tan is the director of Pearly Productions, a film and video production company that provides services to arts organisations and actors. She graduated from the NIDA Acting course in 2005.

Originally from Western Australia, she also holds a Communications degree majoring in Media Studies from Edith Cowan University. Her short films Seeya Rach, Thanks for Coming and Baby Cake have screened both nationally and internationally. She teaches filmmaking at NIDA and has worked behind the scenes for Channel 7, Channel 9, Network 10, Perth’s 96fm and Faith Martin Casting.

Pearl was a recipient of the 2009 Mike Walsh Fellowship to attend the New York Film Academy. Her credits as an actor include Motel (Sydney Theatre Company/Wharf 2Loud), Love’s Triumph(Darlinghurst Theatre) feature films Home Song Stories, Sleeping Beauty and Channel 9’s Sea Patrol.

HENG TANG

Director
IMDb: www.imdb.com/name/nm0849289
Based: Melbourne

Heng’s debut short film Boy-Serpentine world premiered at the 54th Venice Film Festival winning the jury special mention prize. His second, The Other Son, screened in Venice at the 56th festival. He is the first filmmaker in Australia invited by Cannes Film Festival Cinefondation to attend their residency program to develop feature projects. Following that, another short, The Last Chip, qualified for pre-selection at the 2007 Academy Awards.

His latest film Mooncake & Crab premiered at the 60th Melbourne International Film Festival.

HUU TRAN

Director, film festival curator (Australian Vietnam Film Festival)
Founder of Global Viet Film NetworkBased: Melbourne

Huu has written and directed six short films, which have been selected and screened at local and international film festivals. He has also worked on numerous theatre projects supported by Australia Council for the Arts, The City of Melbourne, The Lance Reichstein Foundation, The Myer Foundation, Vic-Health, and Arts Victoria.

He is dedicated to providing important opportunities for young Vietnamese-Australian to meet, debate, share and exchange ideas and information through performances and films, and more broadly, to break down cultural barriers, to address the issues of equity in the arts, and provided a safe and encourages environment for young Vietnamese Australian to develop the critical thinking and analysis of the media. Huu is the founder of the Global Viet Film Network and Film Festival, and is currently working on his latest film “Life after Life”.

MARIA TRAN

Director, Actor, Writer
Website: www.mariatran.com.au
Based: Sydney

Maria is an actor, filmmaker and community arts trainer. She a degree in Psychology and is passionate on screen culture amongst the culturally diverse communities in Australia. She made various short films such as Metro Screen grant, A Little Dream, award-winning Happy Dent, and action kung-fu comedy Maximum Choppage. In 2008, she produced and acted in Downtown Rumble, a kung-fu micro-series on JTV-ABC TV. Her mockumentary short Hot Bread Shop was officially selected for the 2011 Colourfest Film Festival.

Currently, Maria is completing the mixed genre movie project Quest for Jackie Chan!. Her other interests include vlogging, blogging, comedy writing, martial arts, photography, and digital storytelling.

MIN TRAN

Director, Producer
Production company: Mintyland Pictures
Based: Sydney

Min Tran is an independent Vietnamese Australian filmmaker located in Melbourne.

Min realised he had a passion for the moving image from thirteen years of age. This realisation led to his involvement in the media and arts in high school life, taking advantage of emerging forms of digital media that allowed him to shoot and edit his early films.

While awarded with a scholarship to complete a two-year film course, Min successfully and independently wrote, directed, shot, and edited many short films that were funded from his job working as a projectionist at his local cinema; one of these was awarded Best Foreign Student Film in California in 2008.

Between 2008 and 2010, Min wrote and directed Roses are Dead, a short feature which became an official selection of the Pittsburgh Horror Film Festival of 2011.

ANDY TRIEU

ActorIMDb: www.imdb.com/name/nm3073087Andy’s show-reel: http://bit.ly/rjvL9Q
Based: Sydney

A three-time Australian Champion Martial Artist, Andy expanded his repertoire from competing in front of an audience in tournaments to performing for audiences in a range of roles across stage and screen. Currently, Andy is playing the quirky Kitchen Ninja co-host on Australian TV show Kitchen Whiz, which airs on weekdays on Channel Nine. He also features in shows such as Rescue Special Ops, Rake, Crime Investigations Australia, Whats Good for You, Gangs of Oz, and Crownies. Andy is a National Acting School Graduate, who also holds a double degree in International Relations and Business, and is capable of acrobatics and fight choreography.

With a strong focus on action, Andy has worked closely with trainers from Cirque du Soleil and choreographers from the motion pictures Wolverine, Superman, Star Wars, and The Matrix.

KIERAN TULLY

Marketing and Festivals Manager, Korean Cultural Office
Marketing Director, Korean Film Festival in Australia & Japanese Film Festival in Australia
Co-Founder of Fan Chan Pictures (with Raelene Loong)
MA student at AFTS
Based: Sydney

Kieran is Marketing and Festivals Manager of the Korean Cultural Office where he coordinates a weekly film night (Cinema on the Park) and the Korean Film Festival (KOFFIA). Having completed a Graduate Certificate in Screen Culture at AFTRS on film festivals, he now continues this area of research in a Masters of Arts on Asian film distribution. Kieran has worked on fifteen film festivals across Sydney, makes films for Fan Chan Pictures, and writes about film on the blog Tully’s Recall.

Kieran holds a degree in Advanced Mathematics and has a strong passion for football (with visits to Germany in 2006 and South Africa in 2010).

YU YE WU

Arts Administration & Communication, Social Media Marketing: 4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art & Information and Cultural Exchange (ICE)

Based: Sydney

Yu Ye currently works at Information and Cultural Exchange (ICE) who include a significant community video productions component and 4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art (who hold the famous Cinema Alley) across marketing and communications, social media and arts administration. Yu Ye studied a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Sydney in 2008 with a major in English Literature and received first class honours in Art History with a paper on contemporary Chinese art. She’s also passionate about the digital sphere and where arts and culture, artists, communities, stories and ideas overlap. She is particularly fond of Twitter, likes travelling (last visited Japan February 2011), photography and is curious about Third Culture Kids..

Originally from Western Australia, she also holds a Communications degree majoring in Media.

JOYCE YUEN

Actor, Agent, Phoenix Artists Management.

Based: Melbourne

Joyce graduated from the University of Sydney with a B.Sc. Since most of her family had entered the Entertainment Industry, she decided she would give it a go. Joyce first started as an actor. She has been manager of Phoenix Artists Management since 1993. The agency was founded in 1986 by Lawrence Mah, primarily to provide the film and television industry with Asian actors. The agency also has actors from other ethnic backgrounds. Since the early 1990s, the agency’s actors have appeared in many of Australia’s main TV series, including The Slap, Sea Patrol, Bed of Roses, Underbelly, Rush, Head Start, Neighbours, and international co-produced series, as well as many Australian and International Feature Film co-productions including Mao’s Last Dancer, Animal Kingdom, The Jammed, The Home Song Stories and The Wog Boy. Our actors have also been involved in numerous corporate videos and TVCs, and stage productions.

AAFF Co-Chairs:

AMADEO MARQUEZ-PEREZ

Co-Chair, Asian Australian Film Forum, 2011-2012

Artistic Director
Bayside Film Festival, 2009-2013
15/15 International Film Festival, 2000 – 2012
Freelance Digital Media Workshop Coordinator/ Facilitator, 2011-2013

Amadeo has various industry experience, including co-producing the acclaimed independent film The Songs They Sang and being involved with international and regional film festivals such asThe Bayside FF & 15/15 FF as artistic director, and teaching film and digital media. His recent workshop experience includes teaching young people for film workshops as part of the Melbourne Museum of Immigration’s ’Identity: Yours, Mine, Ours’ exhibition as well as working with Aboriginal peoples in their communities on telling their own stories and community histories using video technologies.

DR INDIGO WILLING

Co-Chair, Asian Australian Film Forum, 2011 -2012

Convener, Transcultural Adoptee Film Festival, 2009 – 2011

Chair, An Asian Australian Occasion Short Film Festival, 2007

Co-Convener (joining 2011), Asian Australian Studies Research Network (with founder Dr Tseen Khoo)

Indigo is passionate about supporting and promoting stories and projects that explore Asian diasporic identities, heritages and constructions of belonging, and has been involved with various film festivals, writing and research activities on these themes. She is currently a researcher at The University of Queensland, where she graduated with a doctorate in sociology in 2010. She also has a MA and BA (Film Major) from The University of Technology, Sydney and is a graduate from the McDonald College School of Performing Arts. As a researcher, her interests include Migration, Ethnicity, Family Diversity & Queer studies, Cosmopolitanism, Transnationalism and Screen Cultures. She is also a former Rockefeller Fellow in Humanities at The University of Massachusetts, Boston 2002/3 studying in their Vietnamese Diaspora project with writers, creatives and researchers from around the world, and her work with the Adopted Vietnamese International network was recognised with a Medal in the Order of Australia in 2006.

SEARCHING: Casting/ Research Coordinating for Cooking & Gardening Shows

2011-10-24T22:48:00.000-07:00

Its been a bit of a juggle in the last few weeks from one job to another and this time I get my dibs in a bit of casting research for some potential shows for 2012. Craig Graham (producer of SBS "Adriano Zumbo" as well as the exec of "Once Upon A Time") has got me on board for the next gig which the details are all hush hush at the moment.

So what is casting research all about? We are like the middleperson, we find the talent that is need to fill the role of the TV show. The thing is, in the film production world, in one side you have the directors and producers and on the other the talent agencies. My role on board of this one is to search high and low and assemble a list of 10 unsigned potentials for consideration. Its a good mix of research as well, from "casting the net" through online research and directories to physical drop ins to organisations, businesses, schools so the range is diverse. On top of that, I'm a social bee and a big time problem solver so this line is work suits me.

So this is what I'm looking for:

In times like these, I only wished I did one of the above to get a chance. LOL!

EVENT: Noam Chomsky in Cabramatta!

2011-10-20T21:18:00.000-07:00

Yes that is right. I've studied him through my university years (Psychology degree) and have been following his peace and advocacy and the thought of seeing the presence of Mr Chomsky in Cabramatta is like some strange academic dream come true.

Nationally, Cabramatta has been renown for its "drug capital" years where Asian crime flourished as Vietnamese & Indochinese youths would be pointed the finger as causing the mayhem that went down in this migrant town.

But things have change since the doom and gloom of the 90s. Fantastic projects and people have come from it ("Maximum Choppage: Round 2", celebrity chef - Luke Nguyen etc...). Even Jackie Chan himself is the official ambassador for Cabramatta Police Station! So Noam Chomsky coming out west is another great piece of tapestry that recognises the achievements of the locals as how far Cabramatta has come.

So back on track, he will be at Cabramatta High School for their "Peace Day - Voice Inspiring" Event and myself and a lucky another, gets the chance to see the man in person. My friend and academic spoken word extraordinaire - Farid Farid will hopefully be there.

But for all those who missed out, not to worry! For $25 you get 90 mins of hearing what he has to say at the Opera House. Check out the details below. Trust me, its not to be missed.

NOAM CHOMSKY

PROBLEMS OF KNOWLEDGE AND FREEDOM

“Everybody's worried about stopping terrorism. Well, there's a really easy way: stop participating in it.”

Professor Noam Chomsky is one of the world’s most remarkable public intellectuals and has been awarded this year’s Sydney Peace Prize for ‘his unfailing moral courage and critical analysis of democracy and power’.

Professor Chomsky is a distinguished academic who has been described as the father of modern linguistics. He is also well known for his sustained critique of US foreign policy and his writing about media and society in books like Manufacturing Consent.

Chaired by Mary Kostakidis, this special event will feature Professor Chomsky answering written audience questions on any ‘Problems of Knowledge and Freedom’ including linguistics, global politics, human rights, responses to climate change, the nature of democracy and any other issues the audience raise.

'Chomsky is one of the West's most influential intellectuals in the cause of peace, the most significant challenger of unjust power.''
Stuart Rees, Sydney Peace Foundation Director

WATCH Noam Chomsky discuss Obama’s efforts in the Middle East

READ SMH Article: Controversy dogs Chomsky as he accepts Sydney Peace Prize

Venue: Opera Theatre
Date: Thursday 3 November, 10.30am
Duration: 90 minutes, no interval

PERSONAL COMMENTARY - Vietnamese Mosaic - Directed by Maria Tran - Sydney, Australia

2011-10-20T04:06:00.000-07:00

In between work and play, I've managed to throw another project out there onto the world. It all started when I delved, clueless, ignorant and head first into the Vietnamese community and back tracking back to my roots.

Through Vietlish, Vietnamese Storycubes, Vietnamese Storyexchange and other things, this year's personal explorations have taken me from short mock "Hot Bread Shop" and now "Vietnamese Mosaic".

I think I started this short mini vox pop to see if I could mash up a video piece that merged the generational voices of the Vietnamese community in Sydney, Australia. From young to old, from being a poet to a former gangster, why can't stories from parts of the community emerge and be told?

Last week it got screened at the 2011 Australian Vietnamese Documentary Film Festival. It never made it to the official selection (due to it lateness), but was appreciated by most except for some old school cringes and questionings as to why I would chose such people for interviews.

"Why don't you interview our famous Vietnamese doctors or lawyers?" a lady asked.

"We don't want people to think our community is bad" said another.

"What about the bad things in Vietnam that is happening. Why don't you do a topic on that?" added another.

"You have to be careful, Maria, you are bright and very talented. You are strong like a man. But be careful not to get brainwashed and start making films and projects that offend the greater community. Remember...think about our community.."

If there was a better time to say it, I would have responded "Lol" or the my translated version "Ra cười lớn".

Vietnamese community and the arts and culture section of our lives are highly underdevelopment, and often just fence sitting. The ones that really kick you and in the balls and stand out (e.g – Charlie Nguyen’s Vietnam’s first action flick “The Rebel”) and others that pushes thoughts gets the red crosses all over it. I recall in 2009 when Vietlish held a forum that had a number of panellist’s written thoughts (Khoa Do, Ham Tran & Charlie Nguyen), Mr Nguyen’s comments about the film industry was objected by one of the Vietnamese Community of Australia as being “brainwashed” and the community fears of the next generation being lured back to Vietnam and their wrongdoings. You know the story. Then the same kinds of conversations drag through, lots of finger pointing and *tsking*.

Overall picture, the Vietnamese community outside the country are like a person who cannot let go of the past. A person who holds onto the pain and suffering, takes for granted the present and projects their anxieties and fears for the future of the generations.

This fear tactic, in turn, pushes the gap of the generations a part. Setting the “us” versus “them” mentality. The younger gen retaliates by disengaging in their own communities and begins a life of apathy. Sounds a bit much? But I’ve seen this happen. There is no interest in learning about your own culture if there are so many hoops to define who you are.

Yes you should be proud to be Vietnamese but not the bad types of Vietnamese. Like giving to charities in Vietnam, visiting the country or working there. But yes you are allow to be “face-value” proud to be Vietnamese, especially when dealing with white people.

Imagine how you explain this to a kid. Confusion = disengagement. Also, what is with the kafuffle? In 2175, 100 years onwards, would anyone really care? Or would be Vietnamese culture be retold as some sort of mythical creature.

SHORT DOCO - Vietnamese Mosaic - Directed by Maria Tran - Sydney, Australia

2011-10-20T03:25:00.000-07:00

Check out the video here

My latest work. Thank you for all the helpers and contributors (interviews and music) in making this one happen. For my personal commentaries on the development of this concept, click here.

"Vietnamese Mosaic" is a short experimental documentary film about the perspectives of the Vietnamese generations in Australia.

This is about the Vietnamese people living in Sydney, NSW -- The untold stories and comments about their journeys, family, food and hope for the future.

"Người Việt Nam Mosaic là một bộ phim ngắn về các thế hệ người Việt tại Úc. Điều này là về người Việt Nam sống tại Sydney, NSW - những câu chuyện về cuộc sống, gia đình, thực phẩm và hy vọng của cộng đồng người Việt tại Úc.

Directed/ Edited By | đạo diển/ ghép phim: Maria Trần
Camera Operator | Người quay Máy ảnh: Thuy Ng, David Minh Tâm Nguyễn & Quan Trần

Music by | Sản xuất âm nhạc:
"Twefan"
"Dream"
"Precious Times"
"Free Spirit"
Performed & Produced by Tony T Nguyễn
www.tonytmusic.com

'Lòng Mẹ'
Performed by Stef Dawson, Produced by Thai Nguyen

Main Interviewees | Phỏng vấn chính: Linh Trinh, Lê Hoàng, Barton Williams & Johnny Nguyễn

Cast | Diễn viên: Khanh Hồng Vũ, Anh Nguyễn, Sean Nguyễn, Hoa Thị Trần, Tuyết Thị Trần, Việt Trần, Lisa Nguyễn, Jack Ngũ, Thái Quốc Nguyễn.

This is a non-funded project produced and directed by Maria Tran with the collaboration of many other people in the community. For all other comments, please email maria.tran85@gmail.com.

LIFE & PEOPLE: Can you spot a Control Dramaturg?

2011-10-17T22:48:00.000-07:00

Yes I can. Well now I can. Its been a good weekend and another level of understanding the human psyche and something that I've extended on called the "Control Dramaturg of the deadly kind".
So what does this deadly control dramaturgs look like? Before we get into understanding this, there's a couple of things we got to know about human nature in general.

Everyone has a tendency to rely on one form of control in there dealings with others, but there are some people who take it further, a tactic of manipulation. The dangerous kind are aware of their actions but have minimal regard for the implications. They will rely on the following styles and tactics to manipulate people and situations.

Control Drama #1 - Poor Me
This is person will portray a false sense of being a victim so that they can appeal to another person's compassion. Mechanisms of this drama include: lying, dramatizing and sulking. These types of people have difficulty in taking responsibility and become more argumentative. They may pretend to be assertive but in general, they are people who are envious of others, resentment of their peers and in actual fact, have extreme low self esteem.

Control Drama #2 - Interrogator
This one is more aggressive, this person would have a tendency to ask many questions with the specific purpose of finding something wrong. It seems that they cannot handle not knowing. People end up drawn into a never ending cycle of accusations and explanations with the interrogator.

Control Drama #3 - Intimidator
These people are the most aggressive of the four types. There is a threatening air of danger conveyed from them. They are unpredictable and can threaten, use harsh words and abusive actions uncontrollably.

So such an interesting world of Control Dramaturgs, great characteristisation for scripts, movies and stories, but such an annoyance to deal with. One thing I learnt this week is life is short, who do you want to spend your time with? Those that waste your time with petty emotional crimes or those who are true to who they are, independent, and positive in their intent.

MOVIE PREMIERE: 1911 hits Australian Cinemas! October 13

2011-10-13T19:28:00.000-07:00

Yes that is right! Jackie Chan's 100th film "1911" will be hitting Australian cinemas (Sydney, Melb & Bris) thanks to China Lion Film Distribution for paving the way.

Right now I am looking for skilled bloggers/ or vloggers to win a movie pass, and tell us what you think about the movie.

Email me at maria.tran85@gmail.com

SUBJECT: 1911 Movie Blogger - CITY HERE

In less than 25 words, why do you think you are the right candidate for this?

Check out the clip here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmIkzXSU4oQ&feature=player_embedded

SYDNEY:
Event George St Cinemas,
Event Macquarie
Greater Union Burwood
Greater Union Hurstville.

MELBOURNE:
Greater Union Melbourne CentraL
Village Century City.

BRISBANE:
Event Mt Gravatt

1911 REVOLUTION AKA: Xinhai Revolution
CAST: Jackie Chan (Huang Xing)
Winston Chao (Sun Yat-sen, aka Sun Wen)
Lee Bing Bing (Xu Zonghan)
Joan Chen (Empress Dowager Longyu)
Jaycee Chan (Zhang Zhenwu), Hu Ge (Lin Juemin), Sun Chun (Yuan Shikai), Jiang Wu (Li Yuanhong), Yu Shaoqun (Wang Jingwei),Huang Zhizhong (Situ Meitang), Ning Jing (Qiu Jin), Mei Ting (Chen Yiying), Dennis Tao (Xiong Bingkun)
Director: Jackie Chan, Zhang Li
Producer: Wang Tianyun
Genre: Epic Action Drama
Runtime: 118 mins
Rating: (tba)
Origin: China / Hong Kong
Year: 2011
Language: Mandarin (Chinese & English sub-titles)
Distributor: China Lion Film
Studio: Jackie & JJ Productions
Specs: Ratio 1.2:35 Scope

SYNOPSIS
Starring and co-directed by Jackie Chan, 1911 tells the story of the founding of the Republic of China when Sun Yat-sen’s Revolutionary forces overthrew the Ming Dynasty. Sun is played by look-alike Chinese actor Zhao Wen Xuan. Li Bingbing, Winston Chao, Joan Chen, Jackie’s son Jaycee Chan also star along with a stellar support cast of over 70 famous actors. This $30million epic historical drama marks Jackie Chan’s 100thmovie. Its cinema release also coincides with the 100th Year Anniversary of the Xinhai Revolution, also known as the Revolution of 1911, one of the most significant periods in Chinese history, commencing with the Wuchang Uprising on October 10, 1911 and ending with the abdication of Emperor Puyi on February 10, 1912. 1911 features not only the ideals and actions of the great political leaders, patriots and martyrs but also the love story between Huang Xing and Xu Zonghan.

RELEASE INFORMATION
IN CINEMAS OCTOBER 13
SYD: EVENT George St, EVENT Macquarie, Greater Union Burwood, Hurstville
MELB: Village Century City, Greater Union Melbourne City
BRIS: BCC Garden City Mt Gravatt.

COUNTDOWN: The National Pitch 2011 Competition @ 6pm, Sydney!

2011-10-11T18:55:00.000-07:00

Just reminding you that the 2011 National Film Pitching Competition is on tonight at 6pm SHARP, Metro Screen (Paddington Town Hall - corner of Oxford St and Oatley Road, Paddington).

Book your tickets here! http://metroscreen.org.au/BookingRetrieve.aspx?ID=120004

There is a pretty amazing judging panel (which you get to network after!) which includes:

Jan Chapman (The Piano, Love Serenade, Lantana, Bright Star) - Jan Chapman Films
Stephen Jenner (Public Relations Consultant for the Motion Pictures Association (MPA) Asia Pacific) -Motion Picture Association
Chris Oliver (Senior Manager, State and Industry Partnerships, Screen Australia) - Screen Australia
Richard Payton - Transmission films
Vincent Sheehan (Animal Kingdom, Little Fish, TV's 'Laid') - Porchlight Films

The States in competition are as follows:

· Dee Dee Shi - Queensland

· Benjamin Clarke - Tasmania

· Brendan Skinner - South Australia

· Maria Tran - New South Wales

· Jehan Ratnatunga - Victoria

· Camille Chen - Western Australia

CASTING CALL: Next Big Cooking Show Presenter!

2011-10-06T21:06:00.000-07:00

Are you a fantastic chef, restaurateur? Bubbly? Excellent people skills? Positive can-do attitude?
Want to have your own TV show? Between 25-40?
Desirability:
• Restaurant experience
• Can work with families and under pressure
Please send your CV/ Resume to Maria, casting coordinator maria.tran85@gmail.com. Shortlisted individuals will be interviewed.

For all you foodies out there, if you know of anyone who fits the bill, cooks up a great meal when you are dining out, delivers great customer service and you think they will thrive on TV, nominate them by emailing maria.tran85@gmail.com with the details.