TRAINING: Get it on the big screen workshops

I'm a big nerd for communal training, and here's another one that my former workplace is holding soon with Amin Palangi. Seriously, my personal journeys have been carved out by one project to the next. I, like many others, can't afford the thousands of dollars training, hence, the help of these snippet training session surely helps every bit. 

GET IT ON THE BIG SCREEN

INFORMATION AND CULTURAL EXCHANGE INC. PRESENTS
Free workshops for emerging CINEMATOGRAPHERS, EDITORS, SETDESIGNERS, MAKE-UP ARTISTS, ACTORS.

STAGE 1 – Practical workshops with experienced trainers to help expand your skills.

STAGE 2 – Accompanied by a director, you’ll form a production team and make a SHORT FILM.

WHEN: Workshops will run over the course of for three weeks onSATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS 16, 17, 23, 24, and a screening on 30 JULY
TIME: 10am – 5pm
WHERE: Switch Digital Arts Centre, 8 Victoria Road, Parramatta
15 mins walk from Parramatta Station

REGISTER NOW. LIMITED SPACES AVAILABLE!

To book or for more information contact Amin on 02 9897 5744 or emailAmin on amin.palangi@ice.org.au

Managed by Information and Cultural Exchange (ICE) through its Screen Culture Project and funded by Parramatta City Council through its Community Grants Program. ICE receives core support from Arts NSW, Australia Council for the Arts, Screen NSW, and Department of Human Services – Community Services. This project utilises the facilities of Switch Digital Arts Centre.

A FORUM: Revolution, Romance & Realities

In the midst of the craziness of back to back work and undying and piling ideas that I have (some which I "take" action immediately, sometimes to my detriment to more lack of sleep).

I'm definitely finishing up my Friday a little bit earlier to attend ICE's awesome event, as a part of the Arab Film Festival: Revolution, Romance and Realities. With such war torn turmoil happening in the Middle East, I reflect back to the years that South-East Asia had their fair share of war traumas as well. 

As for the Vietnamese community in Australia, it has been 35 years, and what I've discovered is, the scars are still there. Many families have kept their experiences hidden and decades later, contributing to a generational rift in the community. 

Anyhow, I can't wait to back in the ICE space and mingle with my former colleagues in some debate and discussions on the this topic. Do join if you are around! :) 

A FORUM
REVOLUTION, ROMANCE, REALITIES

2011 started with a revolutionary bang on the streets and in the squares of Tunisia and Egypt, with protests erupting in Bahrain, Yemen, Libya, Oman, Jordan and Syria.

Join us as we explore the political and cultural shifts triggered by young people in the Arab world whose demands for freedom, justice and dignity have been a unifying call.

This special forum will address how new media has facilitated a critical mass movement, amplifying everyday voices, transmitting images globally.

Conversation(s) led by Dr Paula Abood – Community Cultural Development Practitioner, Writer and Activist

Reel intelligence, raw gossip, and reflective responses by Randa Abdel Fattah (Author, Human Rights Lawyer and Social Commentator) and Farid Farid aka MC Shedeed (Academic, Writer and Spoken Word Artist).

Friday 1 July
4-6pm
Switch Digital Arts Centre
8 Victoria Road, Parramatta

||OPTIC STORIES|| Mixed Media & Graphics Art Workshops in April @ ICE

Another freebie workshop for those interested in the realm of mixed media and graphics art. Sign in quick if you think this is the skill you would like to develop!

Free mixed media workshops for young people living in Western Sydney with local digital media artist Eddie Abd – illustrator, painter and digital storyteller, and Iraqi-Canadian artist-in-residence Sundus Abdul Hadi – painter, visual and multimedia artist.

The workshops will run for six weeks in visual art including painting, graphic art and photography with the focus on using images to tell a story – your story!

WHEN

Workshops will run for four weeks on Thursdays and Saturdays throughout April

Thursdays | 7, 14, 21 and 28 April | 4pm-7pm

Saturdays | 9, 16, 23 and 30 April | 10am -4pm

WHERE

Switch Digital Arts Centre, 8 Victoria Road, Parramatta

15 mins walk from Parramatta Station

All participants will receive a certificate for attending the workshops. They will also be invited to

present their work at a public event and exhibition.

Register now. Limited spaces available. To book or for more information contact Maria on 02 9897 5744 or email maria.tran@ice.org.au

Megaphonic Slam! FREE Music making and lyric writing workshops

Yes. You heard me. Its free! This is my day-to-day work at Information & Cultural Exchange (ICE) and I'm project coordinating a series of intensive workshops for young people across Western Sydney. Its going to be intense in the month of April for me as I'll be juggling between the smooth running of this one as well as getting plugged into learning as much as possible about music making myself. So if you fit the criteria, sign up asap as spots are going like hot cakes!

The workshops will run for six weeks in song writing, music production and recording, mic technique, performance, and music-clip making.

WHEN

Workshops will run for four weeks on Thursdays and Saturdays throughout April

Thursdays | 7, 14, 21 and 28 April | 4pm-7pm

Saturdays | 9, 16, 23 and 30 April | 10am -4pm

WHERE

Switch Digital Arts Centre, 8 Victoria Road, Parramatta

15 mins walk from Parramatta Station

DJ, music, food and refreshments will be provided.

All participants will receive a certificate for attending the workshops. They will also be invited to participate in a public performance.

Register now. Limited spaces available. To book or for more information contact Maria on 02 9897 5744 or email maria.tran@ice.org.au

EVENT: Stuff Premiere

I was at the Stuff premiere last Thursday watch the 7 short films made through the Parramatta City Council funded project that was managed by Amin Palangi at Information & Cultural Exchange (ICE). There was a good turn out of 200 people, either friends, families or distinguished guests, all wanting to watch 7 films from 7 different cultural groups and the issues that they faced.

I was one of the actors in Marie Setiawan's film "Fairytale", and it was the first time I acted on something "dramatic". I don't know why, and maybe its an actor thing, but I really hated my performance. I thought I did awful. I got external feedback and there were people who think I did well for my character and that they didn't expected a more mellowier performance from me.

Apparently, some actors have trouble detaching their true selves when it comes to roles and learning to act without bringing in remenants of yourself can be a tricky thing.

My sister, on the otherhand, didn't like my character. She reckons I'm a shockingly boring dramatic actor. Maybe so, I guess I better to either comedies or just plain action (which of course, I'm still developing).

P.S - Shout out to David Cheng (STUFF! Sound guy and his snapshots!

SCREENING: STUFF! - 7 Shorts by 7 filmmakers....

Quite recently, I've been questioned on whether I'm a "performing artist" or an aspiring "actress". The truth of the matter, I don't know. I dabble in things here and there and see myself as an agent of change and growth. But here's something that probably my parents would slap in the face for.

Last year (mid-June) I got involved in a film production called "Stuff" working with producers Billy Stone Marshall King and Amin Palangi. The short film was written by my film buddy Marie Setiawan and co-directed by her. (This girl paved her way into studying at the International Film School at the moment, but I'm definitely very proud of her).

According to my colleagues, this role builds more range for my acting palette. Most definitely - especially when you'll get to see some errmmmm.... on screen implied action (if that's the word).

So if you are in town (Sydney) do book yourself in to this free screening.

Details are below:
The long anticipated launch of the films produced for STUFF l The Drama of it all screen project is coming up on Thursday 24 March at Parramatta Riverside Theatres.

The premiere of these seven compelling films from seven unique directors in Greater Western Sydney is the culmination of almost a year's work honing their skills in writing, directing and producing.

Where: Lennox Theatre, Riverside Theatres
Date: Thursday March 24
Start: 6.30pm
RSVP: Monday, March 21 to Jackie.Leewai@ice.org.au / 02 9897 5744

The long awaited launch of STUFF l The Drama of it all is coming up on Thursday 24 March at Parramatta Riverside Theatres. The premiere of these seven compelling films from seven different and unique directors from Greater Western Sydney is the culmination of almost a year’s work honing their skills in writing, directing and producing.

Through the workshops and filming process the directors were introduced to the world of dramatic, character-based storytelling with mentoring by acclaimed screen writer and editor Billy Marshall Stoneking and director and writer Amin Palangi.

Marie Setiawan, one of the STUFF participants and the Director of the short film Fairytale, had this to say about her experience:

“As a filmmaker, this whole process has given me a greater insight into how things worked. Though it threw me into the deep-end regarding the directorial role, it’s only made me realise what kind of person I can be, and only made me strive harder to work efficiently and effectively as a filmmaker”

Thank you to Parramatta City Council for providing the funding for this.

WORK: Back at Information and Cultural Exchange (ICE)

After my 6 months of travels, I've settled back at my comfy workplace at Information & Cultural Exchange (ICE) as the Urban Cultures Program Coordinator. Until June, I'll be working on one of Australia's exciting projects and hosting two international artists.

If it wasn't for ICE, I don't think I would have sustained pursuing film, arts, and media. I'd probably be stuck in doing

something I didn't want or trying my hardest to make use of my psychology degree. I started out as a participant about 5 years ago in their film introductory workshops called

"Active Flix". This was run by Fatima Mawas and Fadia Abboud. Fatima since have left to pursue further studies in film school and Fadia is regularly contracted to work at this same organisation.

Anyhow, check out the new arts space that ICE lives out of. I simply love it! It so stimulates me to be creative and innovative.

Quest for Jackie Chan? Still working on it. My colleagues at ICE have been very supportive of my project from its inception in early 2010 and still continuing. Especially when I'm surrounded my filmmakers, media artists, marketing people etc... who are seriously always buzzing with innovation and edgy projects themselves.

To them, Quest for Jackie Chan! is more than any little gimmick, it may be another breakthrough project that cuts across the borders. This is particularly relevant, if Australia itself wants to break ground and connect across Asia (whether its films, arts, business, politics etc...). But I have to admit, the more the project and buzz develops, the harder it is to find sleep!

Every night I'm on the phone talking and discussing projects with a host of the connections (Lots from Melbourne and Darwin) that I've developed throughout the "Quest" in Australia. People and groups are wanting to plug into my head to figure out what the whole general direction is.

That's the beauty of this unfinished project. It is creating what I call "critical mass" of energy thinking about one thing "action film genre", hence, I'm able to share information and as well as learn about other people's projects and how to "cross wires".

Random Play at work: So cool! they have chairs made of cardboard!

"Chains" feature film "Behind the Scenes" Interview with Billy Marshall Stone King

Late last week I got the opportunity to interview the producers of feature film "Chains" ("working title"). I've been fortunate enough to be casted as "Anna" - Australian-Vietnamese girl and her trials and tribulations between her mother and her "Non-Asian" boyfriend, as well as getting involved in the "Behind-the-scenes" commentary with Billy Marshall Stone King and Iranian filmmaker Amin Palangi.

I don't want to reveal too much but here are some of the highlight transcript snippets of the documentary.

Billy Marshall Stone King:
"..watching what non actors can bring to a part - beyond craft - beyond the kind of formalistic trainings that more experienced actors would have, that was all incredibly refreshing..."

"Working with a writer that never written anything before, maybe this person has written some stories before, but they have never written for film. And also some of the off the wall ideas and imaginations that are available to people untrained, seemingly untrained is so refreshing..."

"...Australia, at lot of times, in its acting, and its filmmaking and the rest of it, trains inspiration out of it creators. And that what we need to do is to find what is precious, and valuable, and rich, and alive that already exists within the person, already as a natural given.."

"The bottom line must be, not to damage that essential inspiration, or passion, or purity...that child-likeness that is capable of wonder must be preserved in some way. And if you can't teach them to make films without damaging that, then don't teach them films. Just give them a camera and let them go and make mistakes and bore themselves to death until they either give it up entirely or find a way of doing it that works for them..."

My comments: I must admit, this interview was so profound that it touch the core within me to go do film the way I want it, devoid of fear of failure, whether or not it gets the backing of the mainstream.

Billy makes me rethink that "film" can be such as powerful medium and the outcomes are always a direct link to the inners of the creator themselves. Recently, I've been bombarded with indie, promised filled filmmakers who what to make the latest horror flick, action film, one scene - one person film etc....that is all great that the "market" is heading that way, but I now want to a much deeper "why" the film is being made and particularly the "kind" of person that is on board. To me, my pursuit into films and acting isn't for reasons to reach "fame and fortune" but to be able to influence the world in creating change within themselves.

Back to Quest for Jackie Chan, I've got 53 days left till my Australia-wide trip. Still not a cent of support, almost all the mainstream corporates in Australia have knocked my call for support or have simply scoffed my ludicrious ideas of meeting Jackie Chan and that I should focus on bigger things such as "World Peace".

So hence the "Quest" is still on, I'm still alone, but I think the journey hasn't ended, but its just the beginning and already I've learnt so much on the way.

Chao!

HIP-HOP PROJECTIONS 5 - Words from the west…

Another event to look forward to peeps! I'll be at the event checking out the urban hip hop, MCs, martial artists etc...scene!

Oz hip pioneers built lyrical foundations, similar to indigenous story-tellers who continually bless the nation. Pacific drums beat, as African jazz inter-weaves. Battle MCs spit rhyme while soul singers release. Martial artists meet le parkour crew, over head-nodding tracks and rhyme saying review. B-boy funk and Latin turntablism, theatrical stage overseen by sketch n projections.

For one night only – Def Wish Cast, Brothablack, Ozibatla,TrueVibe Nation and MC Trey.

Coordinated by Hip-hop artist/ ARIA nominee, MC Trey developed inspiring urban music projects that have made a real difference in the lives of young people from Western Sydney.

As part of the Sydney Writers’ Festival, join us in celebrating the launch of the Urban Music Project CD and book, ‘SUBTEXT 2’ as we highlight the achievements of our young participants in a dynamic live showcase of original urban music created @ The Switch Studios, ICE.

Performances on the night will be supported by previous participants, established MCs, singers, dancers and guest tutors including MC Trey, DJ Nick Toth, OziBatla (The Herd), Mike Champion, Darrio Phillips & the Eminent Family with visual projections by Spook.

Hosted by Earthquake.

VENUE : Riverside Theatres, Parramatta

(Cnr Church and Market Streets)

DATE: Sunday 16 May, 2010

TIME: 6-9pm

COST: Free / All-ages event

RSVP: 98975744 or urbanmusic@ice.org.au

Loop bus

RSVP essential by 21May 2008

T: 9897 5744 E: urbanmusic@ice.org.au

ICE on SBS 30 TVC!

Hey a while back I was at Film Motion Studio in Kogarah with Fadle El Harris and Project Coordinator Fadia Aboud for my first voice over session gig.

Talk about nerves and fumbling over words and what not.
I finally realised I can’t say the community too well. Apparently I say, “Communiy” and forget the “T” all the time. Maybe its the lazy ocker talk or something in the water.
But for those who want to check it out, tune into SBS One TV from now on for the advertisements from this month.

Thanks to the sponsorship of the newly established SBS Foundation, ICE will be able to reach a national audience by broadcasting short advertisements about what we do and our programs.

The first of these 30 second advertisements, featuring Ali Kadhim, is currently being broadcast.
Shout out to Vinh Nguyen and his stop work motion design – so funky!

Click here to check it out on Vimeo!

Canberrian Hunt for Asian Gook "MR CHONG"

I started the morning off with a comment from RiotACT a funky grassroots "online riot" for the for the Canberra (ACT) Region. Its a sort of central online hub point for all things local such as the news, arts, music and entertainment and also for anyone with any comments, queries and complaints to raise it and rowd up other Canberrians.

The comment goes " Ha ha. Check this out http://the-riotact.com/?p=15644 For someone who is associated with higher learning, you must be flunking...right? Hope they throw the book at you."

So I checked it out only to realise that my visit to Canberra earlier in mid year for the university lecture Internet 2: Alternative Media - Team Vietlish's lecture at ANU - Canberra had coincidently collided with the owner of the notorious Beemer with the number plate CHONG.

We crossed paths with this car parked at the Faculty of Arts and Joseph realising that it reads "Chong" in Vietnamese as Husband, he decided to create the title "BMW - Be My Wife - Husband". This was his facebook pic for some time as he would overtly flaunt his cultural intellect to his peers.

But little did we know that the owner of the vehicle was also very "Alternative Media" saavy. So saavy that his illegal activities are being posted on You.Tube. Check this out.

When will people learn? (Source: RiotACT)

That if you are going to do something stupid and illegal, then don’t take footage of it.
As seen by this young bloke who loves his car so much that he just has to show everyone how fast he can drive on Canberras roads.

His BMW on Commonwealth Ave

More footage below

On Northbourne Ave

On Belconnen Way

Lastly, showing us the car.

To date, this Canberrian "issue" has resulted in 67 comments. It was a highlight of my day to read these comments. It kinda made me feel that Canberra is like "Melrose Place" and everyone is having their "Bold and the Beautiful" moments and love affairs with MR CHONG.

Some comments questioned his identity:

"I wonder if Chong is his real licence plate?"

Some try to interpret him:
"You can tell he is all about Image."
"So, daddy bought little chongy a Beemer or he’s a drug runner for the triads?"

Some are even part time policing his movements:
"Hahaha, it’s his real plate; I’ve seen this kid driving around the ANU."
"Even the footage if it didn’t have the rego you could deduct well enough that he lives in one of the newest suburbs in Canberra, take a pick of roughly 3 that are developed to the stage seen in the video."
"From memory I’ve seen this car pull into a house in Franklin"
"I’ve seen this guy around too. He nearly took me out on the Barton a while ago!"

Some are even connected to him:
I’m best mates with him… we go out racing on a few occasions… Canberra has the best roads.
I have seen this idiot around, and will be taking this footage to my colleagues.

Some critiqued his final alternative media engagements:
lol I’d be ashamed in posting a vid like that, … if you are going to do it, do it properly and nail it!!

Ok...what freakier...is that Canberrian detective work is linking CHONG to Vietlish! Hilarity!

#55

zig (Rioter) 20:12, 11 Nov 09

The “Chong” mobile makes an appearance at ANU.

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSU1wqC48Qf4Gy8s8kz7ofQzC1lDGYU64liDKHIZPaCFdo2jp3fxwL_AbRs-M33PveS0R7_m73UlTBgQEzgFCm1vzeq4kOwyb4SOeRgKQwBENuVjo_cQo9dZJ_6B6hIAx6akedAsEUjSY/s400/Joseph+Hieu+Dinh+BMW.jpg

http://mariatran.wordpress.com/2009/09/10/internet-ii-alternative-media-team-vietlishs-lecture-at-australian-national-university-canberra/

#59

OYM (Troublemaker) 22:34, 11 Nov 09

There’s some pearls on that web reference from zig:

Chong is apparently Vietnamese for ‘husband’ – as in let me be your husband.

He has his own website:
http://www.josephdinh.com/

Chong’s profile includes this gem: Bankstown Local Government 2009 Citizen of the Year!

#61

Pandy (Agitator) 00:14, 12 Nov 09

I think Joseph just posed in front of the lame Choung mobile. The driver of the Beemer is much younger.

#62

molongloid (Troublemaker) 00:15, 12 Nov 09

OYM said :

He has his own website: http://www.josephdinh.com/
Chong’s profile includes this gem: Bankstown Local Government 2009 Citizen of the Year!

I don’t think Dinh == Chong. Dinh just happened to take a photo of the same car we’re talking about.

#64

Sgt.Bungers (Rioter) 08:01, 12 Nov 09

OYM said :

He has his own website:
http://www.josephdinh.com/

I’m reluctant to post the results of the “whois” lookup for that domain… I might get into trouble for posting Josephs physical address, phone number and email address

#64

Sgt.Bungers (Rioter) 08:01, 12 Nov 09

OYM said :

He has his own website:
http://www.josephdinh.com/

I’m reluctant to post the results of the “whois” lookup for that domain… I might get into trouble for posting Josephs physical address, phone number and email address

Far out! Canberrian vilgilantes do go along way! A post that was made two days ago (10 Nov) has involved in 67 posts (probably counting!) CHONG's friends and haters and the police! Currently Vietlish is under sucpicion that it links to Vietlish! Hilarity! Poor Joseph Mr Australian-Vietnamese of the Year 2009, a guy who's hasn't had a girlfriend before is now a suspect! One great idea of taking a photo with a funny looking number plate can really land you under suspicion.

I've been to Canberra a couple of times in my life and I must say, its a really peaceful and quiet place. Not much happens in regards to community activities that involve that culturally diverse (people from Non-English Speaking backgrounds) and a lot of "youngies" have really detailed it as a place where "nothing happens".

People work and do the same thing over and over again, go to parties on the weeken ds or leave for Sydney. So when a little "Asian nippy gook" goes around doing something like MR CHONG it must definitely cause an outrage to society. But, then again, what else is in Canberra?

I've just recently finished a Asian-Australian Kung Fu Film based on Western Sydney (apparently the ghettos to the media) and this just demostrates that when a community supports that grassroots, great things can happen! Check out "Maximum Choppage: Round 2".
Canberrians interested in hosting a free community screening? maria.tran@rumblepictures.com.au
Canberrians looking for working more with culturally diverse communities? Check out Information & Cultural Exchange (ICE)

To other news, for MR CHONG, friends & haters...my workplace will be in town for the National Arab Film Festival:

I'll be at the 7.00pm Sat 14 Nov Captain Abu Raed session (I've seen this film before and loved it! This is a must for Canberrians!) but I'd love to catch up with you all for a coffee chat.

Cybermohalla - Neigbourhoods, Networks, New Connections

This is possibly an event not to be missed at ICE called Cybermohalla - Neighbourhoods, Network, New Connections. I'll be there, of course, to always pick the brains of the speakers see what "synergies" (I love that word) can be made.

Presenting at the Multicultural Summit 2009 in Queensland, Australia

With only 7 days to go, I will be heading flying to Brisbane, Australia to present at the Multicultural Summit '09 which is held on 26-27 October 2009 at the State Library of Queensland, Southbank, Brisbane.

Multicultural Summit ’09 will focus on the central theme of ‘from Reflection to Rejuvenation’ – Reflection of good practice, unmet needs, policy gaps, program sustainability, achievements; and Rejuvenation of spirit, of policy, of multiculturalism, of practice and programs, of emotion and passion, of identity.

Multicultural Summit ‘09 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and important conferences ever held for Multicultural Queensland.

I can’t wait to meet the two keynote speakers – Jason Yat Sen Li coming in from Beijing and author, social commentator and radio host Phillip Adams coming up from Sydney.

And of course, representing Information & Cultural Exchange (ICE) and debating the controversial topic “Multiculturalism is dead – Long Live Social Inclusion.”

For further information email summit@eccq.com.au or contact Erika Lamichhane Bhandari at ECCQ on phone 07 3844 9166 or fax 07 3846 4453.

YOUTH DIGITAL CULTURES: EMPOWERING CULTURALLY DIVERSE COMMUNITIES THROUGH THE DIGITAL AGE

This will showcase ICE’s various inspirational community and cultural development projects conducted in Western Sydney, Australia’s most culturally diverse region. ICE projects have been crossing borders and connecting with other areas of Australia and on a global scale. The Youth Digital Cultures program will show how a project coordinated by young people for young people has developed digital literacy and expanded creative capacity as a vehicle to express themselves and build campaigns.

Youth projects such as community film: ‘Maximum Choppage: Round 2’ (Asian- Australian); Pop Series: ‘Shorts that Speak Out!’ (culturally diverse); Fairfield Stories (Cambodian and African communities); Changing Lives (young Muslim women, Arabic speaking males); Digitales (UK and Australia exchange); Refugee Allstars (Pacific Islander and African communities); Chick Flicks (women’s project); Vietnamese Stories and Storycubes (intergenerational project for the Vietnamese community); will be showcased via video presentation as examples of projects run through ICE. Other Youth Digital Culture initiatives have engaged young people through filmmaking, urban music and graphic design and encouraged them to explore digitally creative means to communicate issues and ideas and use these forms to

participate in the public arena. The presentation will take a look at the possibilities for youth activation through digital arts and identifies online networking as growing dynamic pathways for youth grassroots advocacy and campaigns.

For the official program, click HERE.