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.

Rep Cambodia is a global clothing brand based in Long Beach, CA, dedicated to celebrating Cambodian culture and identity

In this episode we chat with Cameron where he shares his journey from humble beginnings to building a global brand, reflecting on the challenges faced by the Cambodian community in Long Beach, including gang violence and cultural clashes.

He discusses the evolution of his brand—symbolizing a shift from struggle to pride. Cameron highlights the importance of resilience, community support, and entrepreneurship in empowering the next generation. He also shares his vision for greater unity, collaboration, and involving his children in the brand’s future.

Join us for an inspiring conversation on cultural representation, business, and the power of reclaiming identity.

Takeaways

• Cameron started Rep Cambodia to promote pride in Cambodian identity.
• The brand evolved from Strong Beach to Rep Cambodia, reflecting a deeper cultural connection.
• Cameron emphasizes the importance of community support in his entrepreneurial journey.
• The challenges faced by Cambodians in Long Beach included gang violence and cultural clashes.
• Cameron aims to inspire the next generation to take ownership of the brand.
• The brand represents a journey from shame to pride in Cambodian heritage.
• Cameron balances a full-time job with running his clothing brand and family responsibilities.
• The future vision includes greater unity and collaboration within the Cambodian community.
• Cameron hopes to involve his children in the brand's future development.
• The conversation underscores the resilience of the Cambodian community despite historical challenges.

In this episode we chat with Dr. Suely Saro, the first Cambodian American Councilmember in Long Beach, CA. Suely shares her inspiring journey from being born in a refugee camp to breaking barriers in public service. She reflects on the challenges of running for office against a well-known incumbent during the pandemic and the resilience it took to succeed.

Suely discusses the importance of self-advocacy, community engagement, and collaboration in building a stronger, more united Cambodian American community. She encourages listeners to embrace their identity, believe in their capabilities, and contribute to positive change.

Tune in for an empowering conversation on leadership, perseverance, and the future of Cambodian American representation.

Takeaways

• Suely Saro is the first Cambodian American councilwoman in Long Beach.
• Her journey began in a refugee camp, highlighting the importance of education.
• Suely emphasizes the need for self-advocacy and resilience in overcoming challenges.
• She faced significant challenges running for office against a well-known incumbent.
• The pandemic posed unique challenges for new council members, impacting their ability to serve.
• Suely encourages aspiring public servants to believe in themselves and their capabilities.
• Balancing family and public duties is a constant challenge for Suely.
• She envisions a future where the Cambodian American community is united and empowered.
• Suely stresses the importance of community engagement and collaboration.
• She believes everyone has a place in the Cambodian community and should feel empowered to contribute.

In this episode we sit with Richer San and talk about the significance of Cambodian Town in Long Beach, California, and the journey that led to its establishment. Richer shares his personal story of survival during the Khmer Rouge era, his immigration to America, and the challenges faced by the Cambodian community in rebuilding their lives.

The conversation highlights the growth of Cambodia Town, the importance of cultural preservation, and recent initiatives like the Cambodian American education conference and the upcoming Cambodia Town gateway project. Richer emphasizes the need for community involvement, leadership development among youth, and political representation to ensure a thriving future. He reflects on the sacrifices made by previous generations and expresses hope for the Cambodian American community, especially as they approach the 50th anniversary of the Cambodian genocide.

Tune in for an inspiring discussion on resilience, cultural pride, and the power of community to shape the future.

Takeaways

• Richer San is a pivotal figure in the establishment of Cambodian Town.
• The journey from Cambodia to America was fraught with challenges during the Khmer Rouge.
• Cambodian Town has fostered a sense of community and belonging for Cambodians in Long Beach.
• The first Cambodian New Year parade was a significant milestone for the community.
• Community engagement and civic participation are crucial for cultural preservation.
• Richer emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and patience in community leadership.
• The establishment of Cambodian Town was a collaborative effort involving many community members.
• Recent initiatives include educational programs about Cambodian American history.
• The Cambodian community in Long Beach has transformed its identity from shame to pride.
• Richer and his wife, Satya, have been instrumental in leading community efforts. California leads in Cambodian American education initiatives.
• Community involvement is crucial for cultural preservation.
• The Cambodian Town gateway project aims to enhance cultural visibility.
• Future aspirations include a Cambodian American Cultural Center.
• Engaging youth in community service is vital for leadership development.
• Building relationships with local businesses is essential for community projects.
• The importance of maintaining cultural identity through education.
• Future generations should aim for political representation.
• Community support is key to successful cultural initiatives.
• Hard work and perseverance are necessary for achieving community goals.

In this episode we chat with Chad Phuong, also known as the "Cambodian Cowboy", to discuss his remarkable journey from surviving the Khmer Rouge era to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the culinary world. Chad shares his experiences growing up in a refugee camp, resettling in Long Beach, and witnessing the growth of the Cambodian-American community.

Through his passion for food, Chad has built a brand that fuses Cambodian and American culinary traditions, using cooking as a way to preserve and share his heritage. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity, hard work, and community support in achieving success. Chad also reflects on his aspirations for the future, including inspiring the next generation and passing down his legacy to his children.

Join us for an inspiring conversation about resilience, culture, and the power of food to connect people and preserve history.

Takeaways

• Chad Phuong's journey from Cambodia to America is a testament to resilience.
• The Cambodian community in Long Beach has grown significantly over the years.
• Culinary arts can be a powerful way to share cultural heritage.
• Chad emphasizes the importance of community support in his success.
• The Cambodian Cowboy brand represents a fusion of Cambodian and American culinary traditions.
• Chad's experiences during the Khmer Rouge shaped his perspective on life.
• The importance of storytelling in preserving cultural history is highlighted.
• Chad aims to inspire the next generation of Cambodians to pursue their dreams.
• The future of the Cambodian community looks bright with emerging leaders.
• Chad's vision includes passing down his brand to his children and continuing to honor his roots.

In this episode we sit with French Cambodian filmmaker Davy Chu to discuss his journey from France to Cambodia and his impact on the film industry. Davy shares insights into his family's history, the Cambodian community in France, and his experiences bringing Khmer stories to life through films like Golden Slumbers, Diamond Island, and Return to Seoul.

The conversation explores the evolving landscape of Cambodian cinema, the importance of cultural representation, and the challenges young filmmakers face. Davy highlights the power of storytelling in reclaiming identity, the need for collaboration within the Cambodian artistic community, and his hopes for the future as the Khmer community approaches the 50th anniversary of the Khmer Rouge genocide.

Tune in for an inspiring discussion on heritage, filmmaking, and the next generation of Cambodian storytellers.

Takeaways

Davy's journey reflects the complexities of identity and heritage.

The Cambodian community in France has a rich but often overlooked history.

Davy's films aim to bridge the gap between past and present Cambodian culture.

The importance of supporting young Cambodian filmmakers and artists.

Cambodia's film industry is evolving, but still faces challenges in funding and resources.

Cultural representation in film is crucial for the Cambodian diaspora.

Davy emphasizes the need for collaboration within the Cambodian artistic community.

The youth in Cambodia are eager to express themselves through art and culture.

Davy's work highlights the significance of storytelling in reclaiming identity.

The future of Cambodian cinema looks promising with emerging voices and stories.

In this episode we chat with Joe Ngo, a talented Cambodian American actor, writer and musician best known for his role in Cambodian Rock Band. Joe shares his family's journey as refugees escaping the war in Cambodia in the late 1970's, his upbringing in Southern California, and how he discovered his passion for the arts.

Through his work, Joe sheds light on the Khmer community’s history and the significance of representation in the arts. He reflects on his deep-rooted connection to Battambang, the evolution of his character in Cambodian Rock Band, and the play’s impact in telling the stories of Khmer Rouge survivors. Joe also emphasizes the importance of documenting family histories, preserving Khmer culture, and fostering a strong sense of community.

Join us as we explore Joe’s artistic journey, the power of storytelling, and his vision for a future where more Khmer artists take center stage.

Takeaways

• Joe Ngo's family escaped Cambodia in 1979 as refugees.
• He grew up in Monterey Park, California, in a predominantly Asian community.
• Art played a significant role in Joe's life as a means of self-expression.
• Joe's connection to Battambang is deeply rooted in his family's history.
• The Cambodian Rock Band highlights the stories of survivors of the Khmer Rouge.
• Joe's character in the play evolved from a supporting role to a central figure.
• The play serves as a platform for representation of the Khmer community.
• Joe emphasizes the importance of documenting family histories for future generations.
• The Khmer community has a responsibility to support one another and preserve their culture.
• Joe envisions a future where more Khmer artists are represented in the arts.

Chef Mona, owner of Khmai Cuisine Restaurant, shares her inspiring journey of cultural identity, resilience, and the power of food as a storytelling medium. Growing up as a Cambodian immigrant in America, she navigated the challenges of embracing her heritage while pursuing her passion for cooking. In this episode, she opens up about the struggles of running a Cambodian restaurant, the significance of preserving traditional recipes, and the importance of educating others about Khmai Cuisine and culture.

Mona’s restaurant is more than just a place to eat—it’s a platform for cultural revival and community connection. She discusses how food serves as a bridge between generations, helping Cambodian Americans reconnect with their roots while introducing others to the rich flavors and history of Khmer cuisine. From her mother’s invaluable role in passing down family recipes to the careful design of the restaurant’s atmosphere, every detail reflects a deep commitment to authenticity and heritage.

Throughout the conversation, Mona emphasizes the importance of not being ashamed of one’s cultural identity. She shares how her own journey of self-acceptance has shaped her approach to cooking and running a business. The restaurant’s mission extends beyond serving delicious food; it’s about storytelling, preserving history, and ensuring that Khmer cuisine has a rightful place in the diverse food scene of Chicago.

As Khmai Cuisine continues to gain recognition, Mona envisions a future where it is celebrated on a larger scale. She discusses her aspirations for expanding the reach of Cambodian food, engaging with the community, and inspiring the next generation to take pride in their heritage. Her story is one of perseverance, gratitude, and a deep love for both food and culture—a testament to the resilience of the Cambodian community and the power of sharing traditions through cuisine.

Takeaways

• Mona emphasizes the importance of cultural identity and not being ashamed of one's heritage.
• The restaurant serves as a platform for storytelling and educating the community about Khmer culture.
• Mona's journey reflects the struggles and triumphs of Cambodian immigrants in America.
• The restaurant aims to provide an authentic Cambodian dining experience, staying true to traditional recipes.
• Mona's mother plays a crucial role in the restaurant, sharing her culinary knowledge and family history.
• Community engagement is vital for the success of the restaurant and the revival of Khmer culture.
• Mona envisions a future where Khmer cuisine is widely recognized and celebrated in Chicago.
• The restaurant's decor and atmosphere are designed to evoke a sense of Cambodian culture and history.
• Mona's personal experiences shape her culinary philosophy and approach to running the restaurant.
• The conversation highlights the resilience and determination of the Cambodian community in preserving their culture.

Van Tan, co-owner of Penh Noodle Shack, joins us to share the incredible journey of his family’s restaurant, a beloved staple in the Cambodian community for decades. He reflects on his family’s immigration from Cambodia to America, the struggles they faced as refugees, and how their restaurant became more than just a place to eat—it became a sanctuary for the community.

Van discusses the evolution of the restaurant, from its humble beginnings to the opening of a second location, and how the menu has grown while staying true to traditional Cambodian flavors. He emphasizes the importance of cultural heritage, community connection, and the role food plays in preserving identity.

Beyond serving great food, Penh Noodle Shack is a symbol of resilience and gratitude. Van shares how his family's dedication, consistency in quality, and deep appreciation for their customers have shaped the restaurant’s success. He also envisions a future where Cambodian cuisine gains wider recognition, inviting more people to experience the richness of Khmer flavors and traditions.

This episode is a heartfelt conversation about family legacy, cultural pride, and the power of food to bring people together.

Takeaways

• The restaurant is more than just food; it's a connection to culture.
• Van's family faced significant challenges as refugees in America.
• The menu has evolved over the years to include diverse offerings.
• Community connection is vital for the restaurant's success.
• Cambodian cuisine is gaining recognition beyond its traditional audience.
• The importance of consistency in food quality and service.
• Gratitude for family and community support is central to their mission.
• The restaurant serves as a sanctuary for many in the community.
• Van's vision includes elevating Cambodian cuisine to wider acceptance.
• Every small effort contributes to the larger community narrative.