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.

"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!