On July 29, I went to Asian CineVision’s 46th Asian American International Film Festival’s sold-out New York premiere of Caylee So’s The Harvest at Quad Cinema.
Quad Cinema in New York. Photo by Lia ChangQuad Cinema in New York. Photo by Lia Chang
Written by and starring Doua Moua, the cast also features Perry Yung, Dawn Ying Yuen, Chrisna Chhor, Christine Lin and More.
Producer, Writer and Star Doua Moua, Caylee So, Perry Yung. Photo by Lia Chang
The film has been playing festivals around the country and I had a chance to sit down with Perry, Director Caylee So, and Producer, Writer and Star Doua Moua at the La MaMa Rehearsal Studios prior to the screening. The Harvest is also produced by John Houselog with Executive Producers Yoson An and Money Vang.
Doua Moua, Perry Yung, Caylee So and John Houselog. Photo by Lia Chang
After a car accident leaves his family in need of his help, Thai returns home to Southern California, only to find his whole world in disarray. With mounting medical bills and secrets of their own, the family watches as Cher, a tough and stubborn Hmong father, suffers through the devastating effects of kidney failure. Thai struggles to chose between his fractured relationship with his family, or a life free from the burdens of traditions.
The production team includes Director of Photography Brian Nguyen, Composer Roman Molino Dunn, Editor Frank Martinez, Production Designer Christy Gray, Makeup by Dou Pothmolita, Costumes by Juliette Lunger and Casting Director Dea Vise.
This 44th episode of BACKSTAGE PASS with Lia Chang will air on Sunday, August 13 at 6:30pm on FIOS 34, RCN 83, Spectrum 56/1996 and will stream on MNN2. You can watch it below.
Interview with Perry Yung, Doua Moua and Caylee So.
Interview with Perry Yung
Director Caylee So was born in a refugee camp in Thailand, her parents having fled the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia. She holds a B.A. in Creative Writing from George Mason University and a M.F.A. in Film Directing from Dodge College of Film and Media Arts. So is the co-founder of the Cambodia Town Film Festival and an honorary committee member of the Cambodian International Film Festival. Her award winning feature film, IN THE LIFE OF MUSIC, which represented Cambodia in the country’s 2018 Oscar submission.
Photo coverage of THE HARVEST team at #AAIFF46.
AAIFF46 Festival Director Kayla Wong. Photo by Lia ChangAAIFF46 NY Premiere of THE HARVEST. Photo by Lia ChangDoua Moua. Photo by Lia ChangDoua Moua. Photo by Lia ChangDoua Moua. Photo by Lia ChangDirector Caylee So. Photo by Lia ChangPerry Yung. Photo by Lia ChangPerry Yung. Photo by Lia ChangPerry Yung and Lia ChangPerry Yung and Lia ChangAmasa Amos, Amy Chang, Perry Yung. Photo by Lia ChangMarissa Carpio, Nancy Eng, Perry Yung, Karen Lee and Wai-Ching Ho. Photo by Lia ChangLillian Ling, Arlan Huang and Perry Yung. Photo by Lia ChangAmy Chang, Caylee So and Perry Yung. Photo by Lia ChangLauren Yee and Perry Yung. Photo by Lia ChangLauren Yee and Caylee So. Photo by Lia ChangDoua Moua, Lauren Yee, Caylee So and Perry Yung. Photo by Lia ChangPerry Yung, John Houselog, Amy Chang and Doua Moua. Photo by Lia ChangCaylee So, Perry Yung, John Houselog, Amy Chang, Doua Moua, Nancy Eng, Nick Sakai. Photo by Lia ChangDoua Moua, Karen Lee, Perry Yung, Lia Chang, Nancy Eng, Jun Suenaga, Billy Asai, Wai-Ching Ho, Phil Nee, Amy Chang, Caylee So.Perry Yung, Billy Asai, Jun Suenaga. Photo by Lia ChangCaylee So, Doua Moua, Perry Yung and Lia Chang. Photo by Phil NeeAAIFF46 Festival Director Kayla Wong, Lia Chang, Perry Yung, Karen Lee, Phil Nee, Wai-Ching Ho, Nancy Eng.Perry Yung and Henry Chang. Photo by Lia ChangBack Row: Wing Lee, Dave Chang, June Jee, Shuhei Kinoshita, Perry Yung, Caylee So, Karen Lee, Phil Nee, Doua Moua, Wai-Ching Ho. Front Row: Jinny Chung, Yixin Cen, Henry Chang. Photo by Lia ChangJun Suenaga, Caylee So, Billy Asai, A Martina Asai, Perry Yung. Photo by Lia ChangLia Chang. Photo by Kalin Ivanov
Lia Chang is an actor, a multi-media content producer, activist, documentarian and an Award winning filmmaker and co-founder of Bev’s Girl Films making films that foster inclusion and diversity on both sides of the camera. Lia is also the host and Executive Producer of BACKSTAGE PASS WITH LIA CHANG, an Arts and Entertainment and Lifestyle program that airs on Sundays at 6:30pm on FIOS 34, RCN 83, Spectrum 56/1996 and streams on MNN2. Lia was recently profiled on Asian American Life. BGF collaborates with and produces multi-media content for artists, actors, designers, theatrical productions, composers, musicians and corporations. www.liachang.comwww.liachangphotography.com
Asian CineVision’s 46th Asian American International Film Festival is screening the New York premiere of Caylee So’s The Harvest on Saturday, July 29, 2023 at Quad Cinema, 34 W. 13th St. in New York at 4:30pm. A live in-person Q & A with the filmmakers will follow the screening.
Tickets are $16. Get 25% off your tickets for the NYC Premiere of The Harvest. Code: AAIFFHarvest46 Info & Tickets
Written by and starring Doua Moua (Mulan,Gran Torino), the cast also features Perry Yung (“Warriors,” “The Knick”), Dawn Ying Yuen, Chrisna Chhor, Lucas Velazquez, Hua Lee, Alfonso Caballero, Saikong Yang, Tomas K Thao, Mai Moua, Tsabmim Xyooj, Kue Lee, Chai Yang, ZhongKhang Yang, Mary Ly, Amery K Thao, Anneston Pisayavong, Arianna Rivas, Tin Tin, Blake Kevin Dwyer, Greg Yoder, Christine Lin, and Tress Glenn.
After a car accident leaves his family in need of his help, Thai returns home to Southern California, only to find his whole world in disarray. With mounting medical bills and secrets of their own, the family watches as Cher, a tough and stubborn Hmong father, suffers through the devastating effects of kidney failure. Thai struggles to chose between his fractured relationship with his family, or a life free from the burdens of traditions.
Interview with Perry Yung
The Harvest is produced by John Houselog and Doua Moua; with Executive Producers Yoson An and Money Vang. The production team includes Director of Photography Brian Nguyen, Composer Roman Molino Dunn, Editor Frank Martinez, Production Designer Christy Gray, Makeup by Dou Pothmolita, Costumes by
Juliette Lunger and Casting Director Dea Vise.
Director Caylee So was born in a refugee camp in Thailand, her parents having fled the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia. She holds a B.A. in Creative Writing from George Mason University and a M.F.A. in Film Directing from Dodge College of Film and Media Arts. So is the co-founder of the Cambodia Town Film Festival and an honorary committee member of the Cambodian International Film Festival. Her award winning feature film, IN THE LIFE OF MUSIC, which represented Cambodia in the country’s 2018 Oscar submission.
Lia Chang. Photo by Kalin Ivanov
Lia Chang is an actor, a multi-media content producer, activist, documentarian and an Award winning filmmaker and co-founder of Bev’s Girl Films making films that foster inclusion and diversity on both sides of the camera. Lia is also the host and Executive Producer of BACKSTAGE PASS WITH LIA CHANG, an Arts and Entertainment and Lifestyle program that airs on Sundays at 6:30pm on FIOS 34, RCN 83, Spectrum 56/1996 and streams on MNN2. Lia was recently profiled on Asian American Life. BGF collaborates with and produces multi-media content for artists, actors, designers, theatrical productions, composers, musicians and corporations. www.liachang.comwww.liachangphotography.com
Apple TV+’s new 10-episode adult animated series “Strange Planet” will make its global debut on Wednesday, August 9, 2023. Based on the New York Times No. 1 bestselling graphic novel and social media phenomenon of the same name, “Strange Planet” is a hilarious and perceptive look at a distant world not unlike our own. Set in a whimsical world of cotton candy pinks and purples, relatable blue beings explore the absurdity of everyday human traditions. New episodes will debut weekly on Wednesdays through the season finale on September 27, 2023.
Lori Tan Chinn. Photo by Lia Chang
Voicing this world of beings are Gotham Award nominee Tunde Adebimpe (Rachel Getting Married), Emmy Award nominee Demi Adejuyigbe (“The Amber Ruffin Show”), Lori Tan Chinn (“Awkwafina Is Nora From Queens”, Joy Ride), Critics Choice Award nominee Danny Pudi (“Community”) and Emmy Award nominee Hannah Einbinder (“Hacks”).
“Strange Planet” is co-created and executive produced by Emmy Award winner Dan Harmon (“Rick and Morty,” “Community”) and New York Times bestselling author Nathan W. Pyle. Academy Award winner Alex Bulkley (“Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio”), Emmy Award winner Corey Campodonico for ShadowMachine (“BoJack Horseman,” “Tuca & Bertie”), Lauren Pomerantz (“Saturday Night Live,” “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”), Emmy Award winner Amalia Levari (“Over the Garden Wall,” “Harvey Beaks”), Steve Levy (“Rick and Morty,” “Community”) and Taylor Alexy Pyle serve as executive producers. “Strange Planet” is produced by Apple Studios and ShadowMachine.
Apple TV+ offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment, and is available to watch across all your favorite screens. After its launch on November 1, 2019, Apple TV+ became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service in its debut. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries and series have earned 369 wins and 1,478 award nominations and counting, including multi-Emmy Award-winning comedy “Ted Lasso” and historic Oscar Best Picture winner “CODA.”
About Apple TV+
Apple TV+ is available on the Apple TV app in over 100 countries and regions, on over 1 billion screens, including iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac, popular smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, VIZIO, TCL and others, Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast with Google TV, PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles, and at tv.apple.com, for $6.99 per month with a seven-day free trial. For a limited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac or iPod touch can enjoy three months of Apple TV+ for free.*
For more information, visit apple.com/tvpr and see the full list of supported devices.
*Special offer is good for three months after the first activation of the eligible device. One offer per Family Sharing group. Plans automatically renew until cancelled. Other restrictions and terms apply; visit apple.com/promo for more information.
The 30th episode of BACKSTAGE PASS with Lia Chang, executive produced and hosted by Lia, airs on April 16 and 23 at 1:30pm and 6:30pm on FIOS 34, RCN 83, and Spectrum 56/1996, and streams on MNN2. If you miss the episode, it is archived on my youtube channel.
Michael Yamashita and Lia Chang
My mentor, National Geographic Photographer Michael Yamashita has captured some of the world’s most awe-inspiring photos for four decades, combining his dual passions of photography and travel.
On this edition of Backstage Pass with Lia Chang, you’ll get to see highlights of “East Meets West”, a nine part docuseries, produced by Emmy award winning journalist Farland Chang, which brings epic chapters of history to life as this legendary photographer shares his lifetime of secrets.
“East Meets West” is based on Mike’s award-winning stories, books & films: Marco Polo: The China Mystery Revealed; Marco Polo: A Photographer’s Journey; Ghost Fleet: The Adventures of China’s Zheng He; The Great Wall: From Beginning to End; Shangri-La: Along the Tea Road to Lhasa; and New York: Flying High.
Farland Chang and Michael Yamashita. Photo by Lia Chang
I met Mike and Farland in 1993, when I attended my first Asian American Journalists Association convention in LA.
Mike is known for epic stories that retrace the paths of famous travelers, like Marco Polo, the Japanese poet Basho, and the Chinese explorer Zheng He. After graduating from Wesleyan University with a degree in Asian studies, he spent seven years in Asia, which became his area of specialty. Returning to the United States fluent in Japanese, he began shooting for National Geographic as well as many other U.S. and international clients. His feature documentary, The Ghost Fleet, won the Best Historical Documentary prize at the New York International Independent Film Festival. His National Geographic Channel documentary, Marco Polo: The China Mystery Revealed, received two Asian Television and Film Awards and was also included in the top 20 most popular NG Channel documentaries of the decade.
Sharing a vision of Bridging East and West. It has been invaluable to be part of an organization of Asian American storytellers, educators, and journalists working towards accurate and fair coverage of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islanders and AANHPI issues.
Episodes 1 & 2 of East Meets West are currently streaming worldwide. Episodes 3, 4, and 5 will launch this summer. www.eastmeetswestfilm.com.
Lia Chang. Photo by Erich McMillan-McCall
Lia Chang is an actor, a multi-media content producer, activist, documentarian, corporate photographer and an Award winning filmmaker and co-founder of Bev’s Girl Films, making films that foster inclusion and diversity on both sides of the camera. Lia is also the host and Executive Producer of BACKSTAGE PASS WITH LIA CHANG, an Arts and Entertainment and Lifestyle program that airs on Sundays at 6:30pm on FIOS 34, RCN 83, Spectrum 56/1996, and streams on MNN2.
Bev’s Girl Films’ debut short film, Hide and Seek was a top ten film in the Asian American Film Lab’s 2015 72 Hour Shootout Filmmaking Competition, and she received a Best Actress nomination. Her short film, When the World Was Young garnered a 2021 DisOrient Film Audience Choice Award for Best Short Narrative. Lia has appeared in the films Wolf, New Jack City, A Kiss Before Dying, King of New York, Big Trouble in Little China, The Last Dragon, Taxman. She stars in and served as Executive Producer for the short independent films Hide and Seek, Balancing Act, Rom-Com Gone Wrong, Belongingness and When the World was Young. She is also the Executive Producer for The Cactus, The Language Lesson, The Writer and Cream and 2 Shugahs. BGF collaborates with and produces multi-media content for artists, actors, designers, theatrical productions, composers, musicians and corporations.
Lia is the recipient of the 2022 Prospect Muse Award, 2000 OCA Chinese American Journalist Award, the 2001 AAJA National Award for New Media. Lia is an AAJA Executive Leadership Graduate (2000), a Western Knight Fellow at USC’s Annenberg College of Communications for Specialized Journalism on Entertainment Journalism in the Digital Age (2000), a National Press Photographers Association Visual Edge/Visual Journalism Fellow at the Poynter Institute for New Media (2001), a Scripps Howard New Media Fellow at the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism (2002), and a National Tropical Botanical Garden Environmental Journalism Fellow (2003). She was a syndicated columnist for KYODO News, writing about arts and entertainment in her “What’s Hot in New York” column.
The twenty first episode of BACKSTAGE PASS with Lia Chang, executive produced and hosted by Lia, airs on February 22 at 6pm and February 26 at 1pm (EST) on FIOS 34, RCN 83, and Spectrum 56/1996, and streams on MNN2. If you miss the episode, it is archived on my youtube channel.
David Lee Hyunh, Kristina Wong, Daniel K. Isaac and Lia Chang attend the 2023 Doris Duke Artist Awards Ceremony at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York on February 13, 2023.
On this edition of Backstage Pass with Lia Chang, Kristina Wong came to New York to receive the 2023 Doris Duke Artist Award which included $550,000.
Lia Chang and Perry Yung
I sat down with actor Perry Yung to chat about his latest film, The Harvest; enjoyed many family friendly Lunar New Year and Year of the Rabbit activities at The Metropolitan Museum of Art with Laura Brandel and her daughter, Haven Tuesday, including visiting with Sesame Street’s Alan Muraoka and puppeteers Jennifer Barnhart and Pam Arciero. The Met’s Lion Dancers were the Chinese Center on Long Island’s Lion Dancer Troupe, and the AAPI Jazz Collective played several sets in the Main Hall. My extra bonus – heading down to New York Chinatown and catching up with Lion Dancers from the NY Chinatown Freeman Athletic Club and the Chinatown Community Young Lions.
The Santa Barbara International Film Festival recently screened the World Premiere of Caylee So’s THE HARVEST on February 12 and 13.
Written by and starring Doua Moua (Mulan,Gran Torino), the cast also features Perry Yung (“Warriors,” “The Knick”), Dawn Ying Yuen, Chrisna Chhor, Lucas Velazquez, Hua Lee, Alfonso Caballero, Saikong Yang, Tomas K Thao, Mai Moua, Tsabmim Xyooj, Kue Lee, Chai Yang, ZhongKhang Yang, Mary Ly, Amery K Thao, Anneston Pisayavong, Arianna Rivas, Tin Tin, Blake Kevin Dwyer, Greg Yoder, Christine Lin, and Tress Glenn.
After a car accident leaves his family in need of his help, Thai returns home to Southern California, only to find his whole world in disarray. With mounting medical bills and secrets of their own, the family watches as Cher, a tough and stubborn Hmong father, suffers through the devastating effects of kidney failure. Thai struggles to chose between his fractured relationship with his family, or a life free from the burdens of traditions.
Check out my interview with Perry and all of my Lunar New Year fun.
Lia Chang at the Museum of Broadway with the display of Winter Wonderland Gingerbread Houses currently on view through December 31, 2022. Photo by Erich McMillan-McCall.
THE HARVEST is produced by John Houselog and Doua Moua; with Executive Producers Yoson An and Money Vang. The production team includes Director of Photography Brian Nguyen, Composer Roman Molino Dunn, Editor Frank Martinez, Production Designer Christy Gray, Makeup by Dou Pothmolita, Costumes by
Juliette Lunger and Casting Director Dea Vise.
Lia Chang is an actor, a multi-media content producer, activist, documentarian, corporate photographer and an Award winning filmmaker and co-founder of Bev’s Girl Films, making films that foster inclusion and diversity on both sides of the camera. Lia is also the host and Executive Producer of BACKSTAGE PASS WITH LIA CHANG, an Arts and Entertainment and Lifestyle program that airs on Sundays at 6:30pm on FIOS 34, RCN 83, Spectrum 56/1996, and streams on MNN2.
Bev’s Girl Films’ debut short film, Hide and Seek was a top ten film in the Asian American Film Lab’s 2015 72 Hour Shootout Filmmaking Competition, and she received a Best Actress nomination. Her short film, When the World Was Young garnered a 2021 DisOrient Film Audience Choice Award for Best Short Narrative. Lia has appeared in the films Wolf, New Jack City, A Kiss Before Dying, King of New York, Big Trouble in Little China, The Last Dragon, Taxman. She stars in and served as Executive Producer for the short independent films Hide and Seek, Balancing Act, Rom-Com Gone Wrong, Belongingness and When the World was Young. She is also the Executive Producer for The Cactus, The Language Lesson, The Writer and Cream and 2 Shugahs. BGF collaborates with and produces multi-media content for artists, actors, designers, theatrical productions, composers, musicians and corporations.
Lia is the recipient of the 2022 Prospect Muse Award, 2000 OCA Chinese American Journalist Award, the 2001 AAJA National Award for New Media. Lia is an AAJA Executive Leadership Graduate (2000), a Western Knight Fellow at USC’s Annenberg College of Communications for Specialized Journalism on Entertainment Journalism in the Digital Age (2000), a National Press Photographers Association Visual Edge/Visual Journalism Fellow at the Poynter Institute for New Media (2001), a Scripps Howard New Media Fellow at the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism (2002), and a National Tropical Botanical Garden Environmental Journalism Fellow (2003).
The twenty first episode of BACKSTAGE PASS with Lia Chang, executive produced and hosted by Lia, airs on February 22 at 6pm and February 26 at 1pm (EST) on FIOS 34, RCN 83, and Spectrum 56/1996, and streams on MNN2. If you miss the episode, it is archived on my youtube channel.
David Lee Hyunh, Kristina Wong, Daniel K. Isaac and Lia Chang attend the 2023 Doris Duke Artist Awards Ceremony at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York on February 13, 2023.
On this edition of Backstage Pass with Lia Chang, Kristina Wong came to New York to receive the 2023 Doris Duke Artist Award which included $550,000.
Lia Chang and Perry Yung
I sat down with actor Perry Yung to chat about his latest film, The Harvest; enjoyed many family friendly Lunar New Year and Year of the Rabbit activities at The Metropolitan Museum of Art with Laura Brandel and her daughter, Haven Tuesday, including visiting with Sesame Street’s Alan Muraoka and puppeteers Jennifer Barnhart and Pam Arciero. The Met’s Lion Dancers were the Chinese Center on Long Island’s Lion Dancer Troupe, and the AAPI Jazz Collective played several sets in the Main Hall. My extra bonus – heading down to New York Chinatown and catching up with Lion Dancers from the NY Chinatown Freeman Athletic Club and the Chinatown Community Young Lions.
The Santa Barbara International Film Festival recently screened the World Premiere of Caylee So’s THE HARVEST on February 12 and 13.
Written by and starring Doua Moua (Mulan,Gran Torino), the cast also features Perry Yung (“Warriors,” “The Knick”), Dawn Ying Yuen, Chrisna Chhor, Lucas Velazquez, Hua Lee, Alfonso Caballero, Saikong Yang, Tomas K Thao, Mai Moua, Tsabmim Xyooj, Kue Lee, Chai Yang, ZhongKhang Yang, Mary Ly, Amery K Thao, Anneston Pisayavong, Arianna Rivas, Tin Tin, Blake Kevin Dwyer, Greg Yoder, Christine Lin, and Tress Glenn.
After a car accident leaves his family in need of his help, Thai returns home to Southern California, only to find his whole world in disarray. With mounting medical bills and secrets of their own, the family watches as Cher, a tough and stubborn Hmong father, suffers through the devastating effects of kidney failure. Thai struggles to chose between his fractured relationship with his family, or a life free from the burdens of traditions.
Check out my interview with Perry and all of my Lunar New Year fun.
Lia Chang at the Museum of Broadway with the display of Winter Wonderland Gingerbread Houses currently on view through December 31, 2022. Photo by Erich McMillan-McCall.
THE HARVEST is produced by John Houselog and Doua Moua; with Executive Producers Yoson An and Money Vang. The production team includes Director of Photography Brian Nguyen, Composer Roman Molino Dunn, Editor Frank Martinez, Production Designer Christy Gray, Makeup by Dou Pothmolita, Costumes by
Juliette Lunger and Casting Director Dea Vise.
Lia Chang is an actor, a multi-media content producer, activist, documentarian, corporate photographer and an Award winning filmmaker and co-founder of Bev’s Girl Films, making films that foster inclusion and diversity on both sides of the camera. Lia is also the host and Executive Producer of BACKSTAGE PASS WITH LIA CHANG, an Arts and Entertainment and Lifestyle program that airs on Sundays at 6:30pm on FIOS 34, RCN 83, Spectrum 56/1996, and streams on MNN2.
Bev’s Girl Films’ debut short film, Hide and Seek was a top ten film in the Asian American Film Lab’s 2015 72 Hour Shootout Filmmaking Competition, and she received a Best Actress nomination. Her short film, When the World Was Young garnered a 2021 DisOrient Film Audience Choice Award for Best Short Narrative. Lia has appeared in the films Wolf, New Jack City, A Kiss Before Dying, King of New York, Big Trouble in Little China, The Last Dragon, Taxman. She stars in and served as Executive Producer for the short independent films Hide and Seek, Balancing Act, Rom-Com Gone Wrong, Belongingness and When the World was Young. She is also the Executive Producer for The Cactus, The Language Lesson, The Writer and Cream and 2 Shugahs. BGF collaborates with and produces multi-media content for artists, actors, designers, theatrical productions, composers, musicians and corporations.
Lia is the recipient of the 2022 Prospect Muse Award, 2000 OCA Chinese American Journalist Award, the 2001 AAJA National Award for New Media. Lia is an AAJA Executive Leadership Graduate (2000), a Western Knight Fellow at USC’s Annenberg College of Communications for Specialized Journalism on Entertainment Journalism in the Digital Age (2000), a National Press Photographers Association Visual Edge/Visual Journalism Fellow at the Poynter Institute for New Media (2001), a Scripps Howard New Media Fellow at the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism (2002), and a National Tropical Botanical Garden Environmental Journalism Fellow (2003).
The Santa Barbara International Film Festival is screening the World Premiere of Caylee So’s THE HARVEST on Sunday, February 12, 2023 at 7:40pm at the Fiesta 5 Theatre Aud #4, 916 State Street; and on Monday, February 13 at 2:20pm at the Metro 4 Theatre Aud #2, 618 State Street in Santa Barbara.
Written by and starring Doua Moua (Mulan,Gran Torino), the cast also features Perry Yung (“Warriors,” “The Knick”), Dawn Ying Yuen, Chrisna Chhor, Lucas Velazquez, Hua Lee, Alfonso Caballero, Saikong Yang, Tomas K Thao, Mai Moua, Tsabmim Xyooj, Kue Lee, Chai Yang, ZhongKhang Yang, Mary Ly, Amery K Thao, Anneston Pisayavong, Arianna Rivas, Tin Tin, Blake Kevin Dwyer, Greg Yoder, Christine Lin, and Tress Glenn.
After a car accident leaves his family in need of his help, Thai returns home to Southern California, only to find his whole world in disarray. With mounting medical bills and secrets of their own, the family watches as Cher, a tough and stubborn Hmong father, suffers through the devastating effects of kidney failure. Thai struggles to chose between his fractured relationship with his family, or a life free from the burdens of traditions.
SBIFF’s Education Center (Box Office/Will Call, Volunteer HQ) – 1330 State Street Suite 101
THE HARVEST is produced by John Houselog and Doua Moua; with Executive Producers Yoson An and Money Vang. The production team includes Director of Photography Brian Nguyen, Composer Roman Molino Dunn, Editor Frank Martinez, Production Designer Christy Gray, Makeup by Dou Pothmolita, Costumes by
Juliette Lunger and Casting Director Dea Vise.
The nineteenth episode of BACKSTAGE PASS with Lia Chang, executive produced and hosted by Lia, airs on January 15, 2023 at 6:30 pm (EST) on FIOS 34, RCN 83, and Spectrum 56/1996, and streams on MNN2. If you miss the episode, it is archived on my youtube channel.
On this edition of Backstage Pass with Lia Chang, Morgan James was in concert at The Glade on Little Island on July 31, 2022, and was joined by four cast members from her all-female JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR studio cast recording: Tamika Lawrence, Ellyn Marie Marsh, Orfeh and Pearl Sun for her EVERYBODY SAYS DON’T Concert, interpreting lyrics assigned to other male characters in musicals, and makes a compelling case for nontraditional casting as it relates to gender. Watch below:
Helmed by Richard Amelius, the concert features musical direction by Geraldine Anello on keys, Paul Adamy on bass, and Sarah Gooch on drums.
The episode includes:
“Lily’s Eyes” (from The Secret Garden) – Pearl Sun, Morgan James
“Lost in the Wilderness” (from Children of Eden) – Tamika Lawrence
Tamika Lawrence. Photo by Lia ChangTamika Lawrence. Photo by Lia Chang
“Being Alive” (from Company) – Morgan James
Morgan James. Photo by Lia Chang
“Mister Cellophane” (from Chicago) – Pearl Sun
Geraldine Anello, Paul Adamy, Pearl Sun, Sarah Gooch. Photo by Lia ChangGeraldine Anello, Paul Adamy, Pearl Sun, Sarah Gooch. Photo by Lia ChangGeraldine Anello, Paul Adamy, Pearl Sun, Sarah Gooch. Photo by Lia Chang
“I Who Have Nothing” (from Smokey Joe’s Café) – Tamika Lawrence
Tamika Lawrence. Photo by Lia Chang
“I Believe” (from The Book of Mormon) – Ellyn Marie Marsh
Geraldine Anello, Paul Adamy, Ellyn Marie Marsh, Sarah Gooch. Photo by Lia ChangEllyn Marie Marsh. Photo by Lia ChangEllyn Marie Marsh. Photo by Lia Chang
“Pilate’s Dream” (from Jesus Christ Superstar) – Orfeh
Orfeh. Photo by Lia Chang
“Gethsemane” (from Jesus Christ Superstar) – Morgan James
Geraldine Anello, Paul Adamy, Morgan James, Sarah Gooch. Photo by Lia Chang
“Beautiful City” (from Godspell) – Morgan James
Morgan James. Photo by Lia ChangOrfeh and Pearl Sun. Photo by Lia Chang
TALKBACK
Ellyn Marie Marsh, Morgan James, Pearl Sun, Richard Amelius, Torya Beard. Photo by Lia ChangOrfeh, Ellyn Marie Marsh, Morgan James, Pearl Sun. Photo by Lia ChangTamika Lawrence, Orfeh, Ellyn Marie Marsh, Morgan James, Pearl Sun, Richard Amelius, Torya Beard. Photo by Lia ChangTamika Lawrence, Orfeh, Ellyn Marie Marsh, Morgan James, Pearl Sun, Richard Amelius. Photo by Lia ChangOrfeh, Ellyn Marie Marsh, Morgan James, Pearl Sun, Richard Amelius, Torya Beard. Photo by Lia ChangTamika Lawrence, Orfeh, Ellyn Marie Marsh, Morgan James, Pearl Sun, Richard Amelius. Photo by Lia ChangTamika Lawrence, Orfeh. Photo by Lia ChangOrfeh, Ellyn Marie Marsh, Morgan James, Pearl Sun, Richard Amelius. Photo by Lia ChangTamika Lawrence, Orfeh, Ellyn Marie Marsh, Morgan James, Pearl Sun, Richard Amelius. Photo by Lia ChangMorgan James, Pearl Sun, Richard Amelius. Photo by Lia ChangTamika Lawrence, Orfeh, Ellyn Marie Marsh, Morgan James and Pearl Sun. Photo by Lia Chang
The concert also included “Everybody Says Don’t” (from Anyone Can Whistle) sung by Morgan James; “Something’s Coming” from West Side Story) sung by Pearl Sun; “Fight From the Heart” from Rocky sung by Orfeh; and “Hold Me in Your Heart” from Kinky Boots sung by Ellyn Marie Marsh.
Lia Chang at the Museum of Broadway with the display of Winter Wonderland Gingerbread Houses currently on view through December 31, 2022. Photo by Erich McMillan-McCall.
Lia Chang is an actor, a multi-media content producer, activist, documentarian, corporate photographer and an Award winning filmmaker and co-founder of Bev’s Girl Films, making films that foster inclusion and diversity on both sides of the camera. Lia is also the host and Executive Producer of BACKSTAGE PASS WITH LIA CHANG, an Arts and Entertainment and Lifestyle program that airs on Sundays at 6:30pm on FIOS 34, RCN 83, Spectrum 56/1996, and streams on MNN2.
Bev’s Girl Films’ debut short film, Hide and Seek was a top ten film in the Asian American Film Lab’s 2015 72 Hour Shootout Filmmaking Competition, and she received a Best Actress nomination. Her short film, When the World Was Young garnered a 2021 DisOrient Film Audience Choice Award for Best Short Narrative. Lia has appeared in the films Wolf, New Jack City, A Kiss Before Dying, King of New York, Big Trouble in Little China, The Last Dragon, Taxman. She stars in and served as Executive Producer for the short independent films Hide and Seek, Balancing Act, Rom-Com Gone Wrong, Belongingness and When the World was Young. She is also the Executive Producer for The Cactus, The Language Lesson, The Writer and Cream and 2 Shugahs. BGF collaborates with and produces multi-media content for artists, actors, designers, theatrical productions, composers, musicians and corporations.
Lia is the recipient of the 2022 Prospect Muse Award, 2000 OCA Chinese American Journalist Award, the 2001 AAJA National Award for New Media. Lia is an AAJA Executive Leadership Graduate (2000), a Western Knight Fellow at USC’s Annenberg College of Communications for Specialized Journalism on Entertainment Journalism in the Digital Age (2000), a National Press Photographers Association Visual Edge/Visual Journalism Fellow at the Poynter Institute for New Media (2001), a Scripps Howard New Media Fellow at the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism (2002), and a National Tropical Botanical Garden Environmental Journalism Fellow (2003).
Lia Chang at the Museum of Broadway with the display of Winter Wonderland Gingerbread Houses currently on view through December 31, 2022. Photo by Erich McMillan-McCall.
The eighteenth episode of BACKSTAGE PASS with Lia Chang, executive produced and hosted by Lia, airs on January 8 at 6:30 pm (EST) on FIOS 34, RCN 83, and Spectrum 56/1996, and streams on MNN2. If you miss the episode, it is archived on my youtube channel.
This eighteen episode features Winter Wonderland Gingerbread House contest winners at Museum of Broadway; Theatre Communications Group to honor THE PIANO LESSON’s Director LaTanya Richardson Jackson and star, Samuel L. Jackson on 1/9; Hadestown star Eva Noblezada in performance – 1/12-14 at Audible’s Minetta Lane Theater; Previews of Steppenwolf’s production of Vichet Chum’s BALD SISTERS; Tour Launch of Lauren Yee’s CAMBODIAN ROCK BAND at Alley Theater; limited runs of DEATH OF A SALESMAN on Broadway and BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL: The Photography of Kwame Brathwaite at New York Historical Society through 1/15.
Project1Voice’s Erich McMillan-McCall with the Winter Wonderland Gingerbread Houses on view at Museum of Broadway through December 31, 2022. Photo by Lia ChangALMOST FAMOUS, WICKED, INTO THE WOODS, MUSEUM OF BROADWAY and HAMILTON. Photo by Lia Chang
Lia Chang is an actor, a multi-media content producer, activist, documentarian, corporate photographer and an Award winning filmmaker and co-founder of Bev’s Girl Films, making films that foster inclusion and diversity on both sides of the camera. Lia is also the host and Executive Producer of BACKSTAGE PASS WITH LIA CHANG, an Arts and Entertainment and Lifestyle program that airs on Sundays at 6:30pm on FIOS 34, RCN 83, Spectrum 56/1996, and streams on MNN2.
Bev’s Girl Films’ debut short film, Hide and Seek was a top ten film in the Asian American Film Lab’s 2015 72 Hour Shootout Filmmaking Competition, and she received a Best Actress nomination. Her short film, When the World Was Young garnered a 2021 DisOrient Film Audience Choice Award for Best Short Narrative. Lia has appeared in the films Wolf, New Jack City, A Kiss Before Dying, King of New York, Big Trouble in Little China, The Last Dragon, Taxman. She stars in and served as Executive Producer for the short independent films Hide and Seek, Balancing Act, Rom-Com Gone Wrong, Belongingness and When the World was Young. She is also the Executive Producer for The Cactus, The Language Lesson, The Writer and Cream and 2 Shugahs. BGF collaborates with and produces multi-media content for artists, actors, designers, theatrical productions, composers, musicians and corporations.
Lia is the recipient of the 2022 Prospect Muse Award, 2000 OCA Chinese American Journalist Award, the 2001 AAJA National Award for New Media. Lia is an AAJA Executive Leadership Graduate (2000), a Western Knight Fellow at USC’s Annenberg College of Communications for Specialized Journalism on Entertainment Journalism in the Digital Age (2000), a National Press Photographers Association Visual Edge/Visual Journalism Fellow at the Poynter Institute for New Media (2001), a Scripps Howard New Media Fellow at the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism (2002), and a National Tropical Botanical Garden Environmental Journalism Fellow (2003).
Lia Chang, co-founder of Bev’s Girl Films, has launched her latest venture, BACKSTAGE PASS with Lia Chang, an Arts and Entertainment program produced weekly at the studios of MNN.org.
Lia Chang and André De Shields
Lia Chang is an actor, a multi-media content producer, an award-winning filmmaker, and a photo activist and documentarian, who lifts up and amplifies BIPOC communities and artists and the institutions that support them. Bev’s Girl Films collaborates with and produces multi-media content for artists, actors, designers, theatrical productions, composers, musicians and corporations.
Updated: 1/5/23
The seventeenth episode of BACKSTAGE PASS with Lia Chang, executive produced and hosted by Lia, aired on January 1 at 6:30 pm (EST) on FIOS 34, RCN 83, and Spectrum 56/1996, and streams on MNN2. If you miss the episode, it is archived on my youtube channel.
André De Shields, LaChanze and Alex Lacamoire receive 2022 BIV Awards at BIV’s BETTER DAYS: Fundraising Cocktail Party and Award Ceremony in the Roundabout Theatre Company’s American Airlines Theatre’s Penthouse Lobby in New York on October 24, 2022. Photo by Lia Chang
This edition of BACKSTAGE PASS with Lia Chang celebrates Tony, Grammy and Emmy winning Death of A Salesman Star André De Shields and Tony, Obie and Emmy Award winning Hadestown star Lillias White.
Last October, Broadway Inspirational Voices (BIV) honored Tony André De Shields (Death of a Salesman, Becoming Lincoln, Hadestown), Tony Award winner LaChanze (The Color Purple, Producer: TopDog/Underdog, Kimberly Akimbo), and three-time Tony Award winner Alex Lacamoire (VIVO, Dear Evan Hansen, Hamilton) for being true agents of INSPIRATION using the arts as a conduit for social change, at their BETTER DAYS: Fundraising Cocktail Party and Award Ceremony in the Roundabout Theatre Company’s American Airlines Theatre’s Penthouse Lobby. Lillias White presented the 2022 BIV Inspiration Award to André.
2022 BIV Inspiration Award Honoree André De Shields and Lillias White. Photo by Lia Chang
On December 2, Lillias, who plays Mrs. Hermes in Hadestown, was honored with a Richard Baratz caricature, presented by Sardi’s owner Max Klimavicius at Sardi’s.
André De Shields and Lillias White pose with Lillias’ caricature at Sardi’s in New York on December 2, 2022. Photo by Lia Chang
On Nov. 28, Lillias received a 2022 AUDELCO for Featured Actress in a Musical for her performance in the New Group’s off-Broadway production of Tariq Trotter’s Black No More, which opened in January 2022. Lillias White’s performance in Cy Coleman’s Broadway musical, The Life, won her the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical. She was nominated for a second Tony Award for her brilliant work in Fela! Additional Broadway credits include Barnum, Dreamgirls, Cats, Carrie, Once on This Island, How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, and Chicago. Other Off-Broadway and regional credits include The Public Theater’s Romance in Hard Times, for which she won the Obie® Award, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (directed by Phylicia Rashad), for which she won the NAACP Award, and the Carnegie Hall Concert version of South Pacific, starring Reba McEntire, which was also broadcast on PBS’ Great Performances. In addition to receiving Broadway acclaim, White is internationally recognized for her TV and film work. She received the Daytime Emmy Award for her role as Lillian Edwards for Outstanding Performer in a Children’s Series on Sesame Street in 1992 and is beloved by audiences around the world for voicing the lead muse Calliope in Disney’s animated feature Hercules. Film credits include Pieces of April (starring Katie Holmes) and How the Grinch Stole Christmas (starring Jim Carrey). TV credits include the Baz Luhrmann-directed Netflix series “The Get Down,” as well as “Russian Doll” and “Search Party.” She has appeared in cabarets and concert halls around the world, including The Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, and the Sydney Opera House. She can be heard on several Broadway cast albums, in addition to her critically acclaimed albums Get Yourself Some Happy! and From Brooklyn to Broadway. She starred on Broadway in the musical, CHICAGO, as Matron “Mama” Morton and off-Broadway in Tariq Trotter’s Black No More, which opened in January 2022.
Lillias White with her guests after the unveiling of Lillias’ caricature at Sardi’s in New York on December 2, 2022. Photo by Lia Chang
HIGHLIGHTS OF BETTER DAYS: Fundraising Cocktail Party and Award Ceremony in the Roundabout Theatre Company’s American Airlines Theatre’s Penthouse Lobby. (Full coverage will be featured in an upcoming article)
McKinley Belcher III, André De Shields and Sharon D Clarke. Photo by Lia ChangAndré De Shields. Photo by Lia ChangAndré De Shields, Allyson Tucker-Mitchell and Brian Stokes Mitchell. Photo by Lia ChangAndré De Shields and Brian Stokes Mitchell. Photo by Lia ChangAllyson Tucker-Mitchell and André De Shields. Photo by Lia ChangCassondra James, Grace Stockdale, Daniel J. Watts, Oneika Phillips and André De Shields. Photo by Lia ChangGrace Stockdale, Lillias White, Daniel J. Watts, Oneika Phillips and André De Shields. Photo by Lia ChangLillias White and André De Shields. Photo by Lia ChangJohn Eric Parker and André De Shields. Photo by Lia ChangLaChanze and André De Shields. Photo by Lia ChangLaChanze and André De Shields. Photo by Lia ChangAlex Lacamoire, LaChanze and André De Shields. Photo by Lia ChangAllen René Louis, Alex Lacamoire, LaChanze, André De Shields. Photo by Lia ChangAdriane Lenox, André De Shields and Angela Robinson. Photo by Lia ChangZane Mark and André De Shields. Photo by Lia Chang
Lillias White presented the 2022 BIV Inspiration Award to André De Shields.
Lillias White. Photo by Lia ChangLillias White. Photo by Lia ChangLillias White and André De Shields. Photo by Lia ChangLillias White and André De Shields. Photo by Lia ChangLillias White and André De Shields. Photo by Lia ChangLillias White and André De Shields. Photo by Lia ChangLillias White and André De Shields. Photo by Lia ChangAndré De Shields receives the 2022 BIV Inspiration Award. Photo by Lia ChangAndré De Shields receives the 2022 BIV Inspiration Award. Photo by Lia ChangAndré De Shields receives the 2022 BIV Inspiration Award. Photo by Lia ChangAndré De Shields receives the 2022 BIV Inspiration Award. Photo by Lia ChangAndré De Shields receives the 2022 BIV Inspiration Award. Photo by Lia ChangAndré De Shields, Celia Rose Gooding, LaChanze, Ileana Ferreras and Alex Lacamoire. Photo by Lia ChangAndré De Shields, Celia Rose Gooding, LaChanze, Ileana Ferreras and Alex Lacamoire. Photo by Lia Chang
Broadway Inspirational Voices (BIV) is a diverse community choir of Broadway professionals united to change lives through the power of music and service. BIV is committed to supporting and strengthening communities in need.
Broadway Inspirational Voices. Photo by Lia ChangAndré De Shields. Photo by Lia ChangAngela Grovey, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Allyson Tucker-Mitchell, Lillias White, André De Shields, Sharon D Charle and McKinley Belcher III. Photo by Lia ChangMcKinley Belcher III, Sharon D Clarke, LaChanze, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Lillias White and André De Shields. Photo by Lia Chang
For more information – and for ways to DONATE – go to www.BIVoices.org. You can also find them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at handle @BIVoices.
Lia Chang is an actor, a multi-media content producer, activist, documentarian and an Award winning filmmaker and co-founder of Bev’s Girl Films, making films that foster inclusion and diversity on both sides of the camera. Lia is also the host and Executive Producer of BACKSTAGE PASS WITH LIA CHANG, an Arts and Entertainment and Lifestyle program that airs on Sundays at 6:30pm on FIOS 34, RCN 83, Spectrum 56/1996, and streams at MNN2.
Bev’s Girl Films’ debut short film, Hide and Seek was a top ten film in the Asian American Film Lab’s 2015 72 Hour Shootout Filmmaking Competition, and she received a Best Actress nomination. Her short film, When the World Was Young garnered a 2021 DisOrient Film Audience Choice Award for Best Short Narrative. Lia has appeared in the films Wolf, New Jack City, A Kiss Before Dying, King of New York, Big Trouble in Little China, The Last Dragon, Taxman. She stars in and served as Executive Producer for the short independent films Hide and Seek, Balancing Act, Rom-Com Gone Wrong, Belongingness and When the World was Young. She is also the Executive Producer for The Cactus, The Language Lesson, The Writer and Cream and 2 Shugahs. BGF collaborates with and produces multi-media content for artists, actors, designers, theatrical productions, composers, musicians and corporations.
Lia is the recipient of the 2022 Prospect Muse Award, 2000 OCA Chinese American Journalist Award, the 2001 AAJA National Award for New Media. Lia is an AAJA Executive Leadership Graduate (2000), a Western Knight Fellow at USC’s Annenberg College of Communications for Specialized Journalism on Entertainment Journalism in the Digital Age (2000), a National Press Photographers Association Visual Edge/Visual Journalism Fellow at the Poynter Institute for New Media (2001), a Scripps Howard New Media Fellow at the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism (2002), and a National Tropical Botanical Garden Environmental Journalism Fellow (2003).
Tickets are $16. Get 25% off your tickets for the NYC Premiere of The Harvest. Code: AAIFFHarvest46
Written by and starring Doua Moua (Mulan, Gran Torino), the cast also features Perry Yung (“Warriors,” “The Knick”), Dawn Ying Yuen, Chrisna Chhor, Lucas Velazquez, Hua Lee, Alfonso Caballero, Saikong Yang, Tomas K Thao, Mai Moua, Tsabmim Xyooj, Kue Lee, Chai Yang, ZhongKhang Yang, Mary Ly, Amery K Thao, Anneston Pisayavong, Arianna Rivas, Tin Tin, Blake Kevin Dwyer, Greg Yoder, Christine Lin, and Tress Glenn.
On this edition of Backstage Pass with Lia Chang, Morgan James was in concert at The Glade on Little Island on July 31, 2022, and was joined by four cast members from her all-female JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR studio cast recording: Tamika Lawrence, Ellyn Marie Marsh, Orfeh and Pearl Sun for her EVERYBODY SAYS DON’T Concert, interpreting lyrics assigned to other male characters in musicals, and makes a compelling case for nontraditional casting as it relates to gender. Watch below:
Steppenwolf Theatre Company Extends the World Premiere of Vichet Chum’s BALD SISTERS Featuring Francesca Fernandez McKenzie, Coburn Goss, Wai Ching Ho, Jennifer Lim and Nima Rakhshanifar through Jan. 21
Bev's Girl Films 