Meet The Hluav Taws Cast: Part 3
Putting out a casting call for my first ever original music video seemed daunting at the time. Yet as everything unfolded, it was one of the most inspiring parts of producing the Hluav Taws music video.
As auditions and interests came from all over the US, I soon realized how passionate my Hmong brothers and sisters are in acting. I'm truly grateful to have shared this "first" with six incredibly passionate and kind actors, and am pleased to present them to you in this 3-part series.
Note: This the final part of the "Meet the Hluav Taws Cast" series.
Find the previous parts below!
Meet the Hluav Taws Cast: Part 1
Meet the Hluav Taws Cast: Part 2
Meet the Hluav Taws Cast: Part 3
See Xiong
Hickory, North Carolina
How long have you been acting? Do you have plans to act in future productions?
I have always loved being in little skits and plays all throughout school since I was a kid. I haven't acted for a very long time, so this was a wonderful experience for me.
What drew you to audition for Pagnia Xiong’s Hluav Taws music video?
What drew me to audition was the strength in the song, I mean, have you listened to it? When I'm upset, hurt or in pain, this song literally shouts my name. It reads everything in me, from the inside out. When I found out how the music video was going to be, I really was so excited. Honestly reading the script and the roles, literally built up my courage to audition. It's such a strong way of showing that everyone is different and has their own different struggles, which many people seem to forget.
Name one highlight and one challenge you took away after the production.
The highlight of doing the music video was bonding so strongly with people I've never even met before until that day. And of course adding more bruises to the original one on my knee. The biggest challenge was to show emotions to something that I've never experienced before, but I was actually having a rough couple of days, and an emotional morning along with a long day of work. I was able to use my pain, for that part. I was able to express my struggles in my actual life, into this strong and powerful music video.
If you could give someone who’s interested in acting a piece of advice, what would tell him/her?
My acting advice, it's only difficult if you make it difficult. Think deep within yourself and you will find the character. If you don't believe in your character, why would anyone else?
Follow See Xiong
Facebook Page
Instagram: @aybeesea_
Lysanias Pakou Yang
Maiden, North Carolina
How long have you been acting? Do you have plans to act in future productions?
I actually never had any professional acting gigs before, just here and there for school during high school. Like many others individuals like myself, I believe we are all stars just waiting to be found and to shine out. It's not easy to get into the acting world whether it is within the Hmong community or Hollywood. You really have to know the right people and constantly put yourself out there. I would love to continue pursuing acting in the future and take on role out of my comfort zone. You know, just to feel the challenge and allow myself to grow through the experience.
What drew you to audition for Pagnia Xiong’s Hluav Taws music video?
First and foremost, I always loved Pagnia Xiong's music and so this opportunity was like a golden ticket to get to work side by side with my favorite artist. I mean who wouldn't take the chance, right? Lol...I was still kinda shy and unsure, but my good friend Nancy, tagged me on the casting call and when you have someone who believes in you, that really makes a difference. So thank you, Nancy, for the push of encouragement and believing in me. When I first read the script for Hnub's part, I felt a tug in my heart because this role hit so close to home for me and when I was practicing her part at home before the audition, I feel like I was actually HNUB - living in the moments of fear, hurt, and determined to stand back up on my feet and face life. I think once a role hits so close to your heart and you can feel the energy flow through you, even if you're nervous and shy, your heart will constantly whisper to you "give it a try."
Name one highlight and one challenge you took away after the production.
I was kinda worried I might cry for real on the set, but I ended up doing pretty well (I think). I realized that I have really moved on from my past. I can re-live in the moments like Hnub, but this time no more real tears.
If you could give someone who’s interested in acting a piece of advice, what would tell him/her?
Live in the moment of the character. Be natural.
We've all seen fighting scenes where we definitely tell the characters are over doing it, like when the good guy does a little kick and the bad guy goes flying 10 yards, lol. Be yourself with a dose of the character; don't over act it and let your role naturally flow through you.
Follow Lysansias Pakou Yang
Facebook Page
YouTube Channel*
Photo by: MTK Studio
*I noticed a lot of our Hmong women in their mid-40s have dark spots. Therefore, I'll be launching my first make-up tutorial on how to cover dark spots on middle-aged Hmong women soon.
