Director/writer Richard Hall and producer/writer Fahm Fong Saeyang talk about community reaction, freeway driving and Saeyang's father.

What was the hardest part of this personal film to make?

Richard: This was a painful experience for Fahm’s family, but they never wavered. Their courage in exposing the truth, no matter how difficult, made it possible to tell an honest and moving story. They knew there was a larger importance here—whether it was to put their father’s spirit to rest, or to achieve understanding of the Mien community.

How has this film been received by your family, friends and the Mien community?

Richard: I’ve seen Mien youths come to multiple screenings, bringing their friends. It really speaks to them and the film comes at a time when there is still time to link the immigrant generation that doesn’t speak English well with their children, who have grown up assimilated.

Fahm: My family was a bit wary in the beginning when I told them of my plans to produce the documentary. However, when the film finally came out, my family embraced it and has supported it ever since.

From my community, there was a bit of controversy because the Mien community is largely split by religion and having one of the main topics in the documentary be centered on religion was risky. Fortunately, as more and more Mien saw it, they realized that although part of the story concerned religion, it was not as controversial as they had expected.

What do you hope to achieve with this film?

Fahm: I hope to educate, inspire and broaden the horizons of many people.

When you were filming, was there anything so personal that you decided to avoid it or cut it out of the final cut?

Fahm: The documentary focused on my teen years briefly but there were more details to my teen years and although they were important in effecting my perspective on the world at the time, I felt they were not necessary to include in the documentary.

If your father were alive, what do you think he would think about your film?

Fahm: If my father had lived to see the documentary, I think he would be extremely proud and honored that it has come so far… from our little taped sessions to a full feature documentary. Furthermore, my father would probably be moved each time he watched the documentary because it is not only the story of our family, but a testament of his own pain.

The independent film business is a difficult one. What keeps you motivated?

Fahm: The independent film business is a difficult one but I keep motivated because I know in the end, my efforts will pay off and for me to be able to bring a documentary that not only entertains but also educates and provokes thought is the best feeling to have!

What didn’t you get done when you were making your film?

Richard: Having enough airtime to fully address all the issues surrounding religion and immigrants.

Why did you choose to present your film on public television?

Fahm: We wanted to present our film on public television because we felt that bringing it to public television would be the best way to educate the national public about the Mien. Additionally, there are virtually no documentaries about the Mien community, let alone one even produced by a Mien filmmaker that’s been on public television, and we wanted to change that.

What advice do you have for aspiring filmmakers?

Richard: Use whatever sources you have (MiniDV, Hi-8) to start making your film even before you have funding.

Fahm: My advice for aspiring filmmakers, and I am still one myself, is never lose your dream and always keep a positive outlook because nothing is worse then giving up on a project even before it ever has a chance because you felt negatively about it. If you want to make a film someday, start working towards that now whether it may be connecting with people who could help you down the line or taking workshops, etc.

If you weren’t a filmmaker, what kind of work do you think you’d be doing?

Richard: I would, and do, own a Vietnamese restaurant in Venice Beach.

What do you think is the most inspirational food for making independent film?

Richard: Vietnamese beef noodle soup (pho). Fahm and I ate it often in one of Sacramento’s most famous Vietnamese restaurants!

If you could have one motto, what would it be?

Fahm: I do have a motto but it’s very cliché. I found this motto to be most useful for me when I was growing up, as I was working towards completing the documentary and as I go through life now: If there is a will, there is a way.

What sparks your creativity?

Fahm: My creative ideas come to me most often when I am driving on the freeway, while on a long trip or when I’m dreaming at night. I think the open road and the passing landscape relaxes my mind and it makes it easier for me to think about ideas and projects. Furthermore, I view my dreams to a certain extent to be my subconscious relaying information to me, so a lot of times I see ideas from the dreams.

What filmmakers have most influenced your work?

Richard: Any documentary that deals with a personal journey.

What are your three favorite films?

My three favorite films are:
DEATH OF A SHAMAN, of course!
Waking Life by Richard Linklater
The Apu Triology by Satyajit Ray