NEWS

Searchlight: Stephen Kang

Stephen is so new as a director that his day job is still burning reels and fixing Curious Film’s website. But his short films are beginning to be noticed on the festival circuits in Asia and Australasia – Curious MD Peter Grasse hired Kang initially on the strength of his first film about a lad who finds he has super powers every time he masturbates – sounds good – but it’s Kang’s latest offering Blue which is whipping up the plaudits…even the Grand Prix at Cannes Critic’s week (Semaine de la critique. )

https://vimeo.com/35660857

Did you write the script and where did the idea for Blue come from?

Yes I did. The main inspiration was a news story about this famous Korean folk singing band member who died in an accident in Canada where he had immigrated. He died while operating machinery at the warehouse. He was just a worker at the warehouse and nobody recognised him as a famous band member. I think a large number of immigrants are like that, hiding behind their talent and sometimes they have to let it go to fit into the new world.

What were the most challenging aspects of shooting Blue?

It’s always hard with limited budgets, but the hardest part was convincing other people to get involved and that this story we are going to tell is exciting and interesting. It’s always tough because I, myself don’t know whether it will be good or not.

So you’re learning the ropes at Curious – we hear you’re a whizz at all things techie. What is your ambition? Would you like shoot commercials too?

My ambition is to be free of all this technology and make film.

What would the ideal script be for your first job?

The ideal scripts would have a non-traditional approach, blurring a line between traditional media and social network, and have Asian talent. I can compromise with the first two but can’t give up on Asian talent.

What’s the best piece of advice on film making anyone has ever given you?

It’s important to know when you put down your pen (or camera) – unknown

What are you currently up to in your film making world?

Writing feature scripts. I’ve learned one thing. No one is going to write it for you. So here I am.

Other News

Main Deadline April 10th

Attention all aspiring young directors! The Main Deadline for the prestigious Young Director Award 2024  More…

2024 Chair Medb Riordan talks ability, opportunity and maverick attitudes

Medb Riordan, AcademyFilms’ Joint MD and Partner, is the jury chairperson for this year’s Young Director  More…

Announcing YDA 2024’s Call for Entries!

The Young Director Award, organised in association with shots, is pleased to announce our Call for  More…

YDA announces 2024 Jury Chair

Young Director Award organised in association with shots, has announced that Academy Films‘ Co-Managing Director and Owner,  More…

Rosanna Peng Bowling Bao

Rosanna Peng bowls a perfect game against the competition

Canadian director Rosanna Peng picked up a Gold in the Dreampitch: Short Film category with  More…

Vincent Rene-Lortie Talk Away The Dark

Gold winner Vincent Rene-Lortie talks away the dark

Director Vincent Rene-Lortie picked up a Gold in the Charity Commercial category with Talk Away The Dark. Here,  More…