I am so happy to see more and more Hmong women rising to do what they love and being an example of a new possibility for others!
Bringing to you today is a Hmong woman filmmaker, Houa Lor! This is a woman whose passion comes through boldly. I’m so happy to be able to get a little insight into the mind of a woman who is fighting for her place in a male dominant field, film industry!
Read on!
Annie: What motivated and inspired you to pursue filmmaking?
Houa: When I was young, one of my favorite films to watch was “Lam Lub Hnub Txhob Txawj Poob.” It was the early 90’s and that film reached the core of my soul. It made films the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen on earth. I was inspired to create a story like that so that one day, a young girl or boy, would sit and hope that they too can grow up to achieve the same as I did.
Annie: When did you decide or realize you want to do this?
Houa: I decided I needed to do this when I was told I couldn’t do it. I told me that competing in the world of filming where male led the way, I would sure to fail.
Annie: What were the first few steps you took to start this?
Houa: It wasn’t easy. I first had to prove that I can be somebody; that I too, had something other people wanted and appreciate. I love writing and my work speaks for itself through words. That was how it all started. I wrote my very first film review on Moua Lee’s “Paj Nyiag Txoj Hmoo,” and was told to do it again. So writing film reviews began to open the door for me to get into film work.
Annie: What have been your biggest challenges so far with this experience?
Houa: My biggest challenge in this experience has been finding the people to reach out to get the resources I need. It’s very difficult when they take one look at your history and because you don’t have any funds, any brand names attached to you, you’re automatically looked upon as someone not worth talking to.
Annie: How did you overcome these challenges?
Houa: By continuing to knock on doors everywhere. It didn’t matter where I went, I always talked about the film, about my work, about what I was trying to do until someone listened to me and let me tell them why I was doing what I was doing.
Annie: What do you love about filmmaking?
Houa: I love the freedom of story-telling. I love being able to tell a story that change someone’s life; to alter their minds; and to reflect on their own lives. I love how it’s so connected to us intimately that it lingers in our blood even after we’ve pressed the button to end the screen.
Annie: What advice would you give to others who may want to pursue the same profession?
Houa: Don’t give up. If you want it hard enough, do everything it takes to get it. There will be those who see your struggle and help support you. Cherish them. There will be those who will hope you fail. Prove them wrong. But always make sure you’re doing it for the right reason.
Annie: What project/film are you currently working on?
Houa: Our latest project, “Tuag Los Tseg,” has just wrapped production and will be premiering at Carmike Theater in Oakdale, MN on Saturday April 30th and Sunday May 1st at 7PM.
Annie: Where can people go to, to know more about your work if they want to follow you, learn from you and or to support you?
Houa: You can follow us on Facebook, www.facebook.com/HouaProduction for all our upcoming projects.
Annie: What can we expect to see from you in the future? What is your long-term goal and vision?
Houa: Expect to see a lot more! We’re scheduled to shoot a feature length film in September of this year and we’ve got many community events to help motivate the youth. Houa Production and myself will be here for the long run.
Annie: How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
Houa: I think of all the times I yearned to be where I am today. Those moments of wanting to be someone and wanting someone to hear me, they stay with me always. They keep me pushing me forward when I feel at my lowest.
Annie: What is your life philosophy?
Houa: “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” I live by this rule every day because your journey will take you to the most beautiful places.
Houa and Family
Annie: What comes to your mind when you hear the phrases “What does it mean being a Hmong woman of today?”
Houa: My mind is filled with the many brave, beautiful, and successful sisters who are now paving the way for all of us to follow. No matter what their dream may be, we as Hmong women are now standing at a threshold where tomorrow will bring a future brighter than ever. We’ve fought culture barriers of how a Hmong woman should act, think, and live and we’re becoming beacons of light to the youth. Our grandmothers and mothers didn’t have that chance, but we do, and we should make the most of it.
SHORT SENTENCES TO FINISH…
Hmong community needs…
to unite.
What I face a big challenge I…
look at yesterday and think about how far I am today.
My greatest fear is…
losing my mind.
The most courageous thing I’ve ever done is…
giving birth…5 times!
If I could go back in time to when I was 20 I would tell myself…
your time to shine isn’t very far away.
I believe….
every story deserves to be told.
The biggest lesson I have ever learned is…
when you get rid of the negative people, your life becomes your own.
So there you have it! I hope this inspires you to go out there boldly and confidently to create something of your passion as well.
Question: How have you practiced following your bliss and passion?