Meet Caylee So, co-founder of the Cambodia Town Film Festival. Caylee shares her incredible journey from being born in a Thai refugee camp to serving in the Virginia Army National Guard and discovering her passion for filmmaking while deployed in Iraq.
She discusses the inspiration behind the Cambodia Town Film Festival and the growth of Cambodian cinema since its founding in 2013. Caylee also offers insights into her current projects, including a documentary and a historical horror film, and reflects on the importance of storytelling in preserving culture.
Join us for a conversation on resilience, creativity, and the future of Cambodian representation in film.
Takeaways
- Caylee's journey began as a refugee baby born in a Thai camp.
- She enlisted in the Virginia Army National Guard to fund her education.
- Caylee discovered her passion for filmmaking during her deployment in Iraq.
- The Cambodia Town Film Festival was born out of a desire to spotlight Cambodian cinema.
- Caylee emphasizes the importance of community support in filmmaking.
- The Cambodian filmmaking community has grown significantly since 2013.
- Caylee's current projects include a documentary and a historical horror film.
- She hopes her children will embrace their Cambodian American heritage.
- Caylee encourages aspiring filmmakers to find collaborators who inspire them.
- The next 50 years should focus on preserving culture and telling stories.
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