Hearing from the Film Makers

Katie Ka Vang, Xiongpao (XP) Lee and Yeng Lor (pictured above left to right) were the three panelists present to help convey their process of interviewing, compiling, and producing the veterans stories into a short film. Even for these three active community members, they still found that they were learning new information about the history of the Hmong Migration, their own families backgrounds, and within themselves.  

“Not all stories are through the (Mekong) river…My vet went by taxi” – Katie

“I found that opening google maps up…you can see the streets in Laos… (this) helped engaged my father in telling his story” -XP

“Learn your history, in order to challenge it” – Yeng Lor

All three panelist had one thing to say for anyone who is interested in learning more about their own peoples history and film making. It was JUST DO IT! Just start somewhere, as they themselves did not know where or how to start. But through this project they were able to learn the tools needed to document a part of their history in an interactive way.

Take Away Message

As the time whined to an end there was one big question that lingered unanswered. How was identity of the panelist, Hmong, and Hmong American lost, found and created through this project. Each panelist answered this in their own way show casing that there is not a single correct answer to this question as identity truly came from the self. But one thing ringed true about this project and that was in order to learn, create your identity you must listen to the past, be willing to ask hard questions in the present, and have the courage to move into the future.

So, what are you waiting for?

Become Unforgotten!

Get out there and JUST DO IT!