Asian Pacific Voices Radio

Fawn Veerasunthorn, Film Director and Animator - 4 X 11

Prasansook "Fawn" Veerasunthorn is a Thai film director and animator. She worked as a storyboard artist on the Disney Animation films Frozen, Moana, and Zootopia and as head of story on Raya and the Last Dragon. Her first feature film was Disney's Wish, in collaboration with Chris Buck.

This episode delves into Fawn's transformative journey upon relocating to the US, navigating the hurdles of language barriers and cultural disparities. Despite these challenges, she found solace and purpose in her passion for art, propelling her forward on the path to becoming an animator and director for Disney projects.

Fawn Veerasunthorn, born in Chonburi Province, Thailand, found her calling in art from a young age, inspired by the magic of Disney's "Dumbo," particularly the work of Mary Blair. After attending Triam Udom Suksa School in Bangkok, Fawn pursued medicine at Mahidol University but soon realized her true passion lay in fine arts. Encouraged by animator Paitoon Ratanasiritrawoot, she made the bold decision to move to the United States and study at the Columbus College of Art and Design.

Upon graduating in 2004, Fawn embarked on a remarkable journey in the animation industry, working at esteemed studios such as 6 Point Harness, Warner Bros. Animation, Nickelodeon Animation Studios, and Illumination. Her talent as a story artist shone through in projects like "The Lorax" and "Despicable Me 2."

In 2011, Fawn joined Walt Disney Animation Studios, contributing her skills to blockbuster hits like "Frozen," "Moana," and "Zootopia." Her exceptional work led to her promotion as head of Disney's animation department and her pivotal role as head of story on "Raya and the Last Dragon."

Fawn's achievements reached new heights when she was appointed as co-director of Disney's upcoming film "Wish," making history as the first Thai artist to helm a Disney animated feature. Her contributions to the industry have been recognized by both Disney and the Government of Thailand, solidifying her legacy as a trailblazer in animation.

 

 

A Voice in Action - Elevating Narratives with Powerful Presence and Versatility - 4 X 10

Stephen Oyoung stands as an accomplished actor, motion capture stunt performer, and voiceover artist, whose versatile skills have left an indelible mark across various entertainment mediums. With a career spanning both the silver screen and the dynamic world of gaming, Stephen has continually captivated audiences with his remarkable performances and dedication to his craft.

 

Best known for his compelling portrayal of Martin Li/Mister Negative in the critically acclaimed Spider-Man video game series, Stephen's ability to breathe life into complex characters has garnered widespread acclaim. His performances resonate deeply, thanks to his nuanced understanding of character dynamics and his adept fusion of acting prowess with his background in martial arts.

This episode delves into Stephen's journey into acting, highlighting the pivotal role his father played in providing him with invaluable support along the way. 

Beyond his iconic role in the gaming sphere, Stephen's talent transcends boundaries, as evidenced by his diverse body of work in film and television. From gripping dramas to adrenaline-fueled action films, Stephen consistently delivers performances that are as compelling as they are authentic, earning him a reputation as one of the industry's most sought-after talents.

With each new project, Stephen Oyoung continues to push the boundaries of storytelling, captivating audiences with his unparalleled charisma and unwavering commitment to excellence. As he navigates the ever-evolving landscape of entertainment, one thing remains abundantly clear: Stephen's talent knows no bounds, and his contributions to the industry are sure to leave a lasting legacy for years to come.

 

 

Bridging Cultures through Murals with Brushstrokes of Brilliance - 4 X 9

Gajin Fujita is a graffiti artist whose work transcends boundaries and seamlessly blends the rich tapestry of Japanese tradition with the vibrant energy of Western urban culture.

In this episode, Fujita talks about his early days as a graffiti artist in tagging crews like KGB and KIIS and his current status as a major star in LA's downtown art scene. He also shares how he blends Japanese techniques and symbols with Western urban pop culture to create visually contrasting masterpieces that transcend space and time.

Born in 1972, Gajin Fujita is the son of Japanese parents – a fine art painter father and art conservator mother – who raised him and his brothers in Boyle Heights, a historic immigrant neighborhood just east of Downtown Los Angeles and the L.A. River. As a teenager, Fujita became fascinated with graffiti, joining the tagging crews KGB (Kidz Gone Bad) and KIIS (Kill to Succeed).

Through graffiti, Fujita followed his own path towards fine art and received his BA from Otis College of Art & Design, Los Angeles, and his MFA from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he found mentorship under art critic Dave Hickey. Reverence for Japanese art history and pride for his identity as an L.A. native assert equal importance in Fujita’s work. Lauded by Christopher Knight of the Los Angeles Times as “the most important 21st-century iteration of graffiti’s influence on art,” Fujita’s paintings incorporate graffiti language, traditional iconography drawn from Edo-period woodblock prints, and symbols of West Coast culture.

Diving into Tales and Capturing Dreams through Film and Underwater Photography - 4X8

Pier Nirandara is an award-winning author, travel writer, film producer, and underwater photographer. She began her career as Thailand’s youngest English-writing author of three #1 national bestselling novels, multiple graphic novels, and short stories with over 200,000 copies sold in multiple languages published by Nanmee Books.

In this episode, Nirandara talks about her travel experiences growing up in a multicultural environment and traveling to over 70 countries, her inspiration behind writing a children’s fantasy series that tackles themes of identity, prejudice, morality, and social responsibility.

Since then, she has represented literary clients at ICM Partners, served as Director of Development for International Content at Sony Columbia Pictures, and VP of Film & TV at A-Major Media, Hollywood’s first Asian-American-driven production company. A TEDx speaker and literary ambassador for the Bangkok Metropolitan/UNESCO, Nirandara has won four Solas Awards for Best Travel Writing of the Year, two Lowell Thomas Awards from the Society of American Travel Writers, and Gold at the Book Passage Travel Writers & Photographers Conference 2023. She was named the inaugural Storyteller in Residence at Hidden Compass.

Nirandara is also a PADI AmbassaDiver™ and the founder of Immersiv Expeditions, leading trips to swim with marine wildlife. Her photography has been recognized by competitions including Ocean Photographer of the Year, and she was awarded the 2023 Ocean Storytelling Photography Grant by the Save Our Seas Foundation. An advocate for solo female travel, she has visited over 100 countries across 7 continents. She is currently working on a new novel and can be found in Los Angeles, Cape Town and @piersgreatperhaps.

Nirandara is represented by Mina Hamedi at Janklow & Nesbit.

Healing Hearts, Serving Communities, Inspiring Hope - 4 x 7

Born in 1973 in Vinh Long, Vietnam, Dr. Le and his family embarked on a harrowing journey, escaping the country by boat to Indonesia in 1982. After spending a year in various refugee camps, they resettled in the United States in 1983.

In this episode, Dr. Le reflects on his family's initial struggles with financial hardship upon arriving in the US, a challenge that fueled his determination to pursue a career in medicine. He attributes his optimism as his driving force and gratitude as his superpower, propelling him to make positive contributions to his community.

Beyond his medical practice, Dr. Le has been actively involved in community service. Since 2013, he and his wife have volunteered with Honor Flight San Diego, accompanying veterans on tours to Washington, DC. Additionally, he has organized pop-up medical clinics for the homeless in Father Joe's Villages and Santa Ana, demonstrating his commitment to providing healthcare to underserved populations.

In 2019, Dr. Le joined the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee of the USS Midway Museum, where he now serves as Chair and a member of the Museum's Board of Directors, advocating for community outreach and inclusivity.

Dive into the Melodic World of Maki Mae - Where Virtuosity Meets Diversity in Every Note | 4x6

Maki Mae is a multi-talented, 13-language vocalist, concert pianist, and classically-trained violinist who has captivated audiences globally. Her illustrious career has seen her headlining crossover performances in major televised events, sports arenas, and festivals, including America's Got Talent, Special Olympics World Games, and Burning Man.

In this episode, Maki shares the incredible story about how she was born as a blue baby not breathing and months later was rescued from crib death, resulting in 70% of her hearing loss, which ironically led to her discovering her love and passion for music. 

Known for her virtuoso coloratura and dynamic performances, her diverse talent spans classical arias, crossover pieces in jazz, pop, and alternative rock, and even a groundbreaking remix of Skrillex's "Kyoto." Hailing from Tokyo and Taipei, her journey from performing in the Taiwan National Recital Hall at 15 to becoming President & CEO of Asian Hall of Fame and CEO of the Robert Chinn Foundation showcases her global cultural perspective.

Unleash the Action - From Script to Scene, Crafting Impactful Stories | 4x5

Born in Hong Kong, Andy Cheng began his martial arts journey early, mastering Taekwondo and earning numerous championships, including five consecutive gold medals. His prowess led him to represent Hong Kong internationally, clinching victories across various competitions. 

After retiring from competitive sports, Cheng ventured into the entertainment industry, showcasing his talents as an Action Artist for Hong Kong’s TVB. His career blossomed further when he joined Jackie Chan's esteemed stunt team, contributing to blockbuster films like "Rush Hour" and "Shanghai Noon." Transitioning seamlessly into directing and choreography, Cheng left an indelible mark on Hollywood, working on projects such as "The Scorpion King" and "6 Underground."

In this episode, Andy shares his experiences on what inspired him to get into acting, and why he transitioned from being in front of the screen to becoming a screenwriter and director. 

Notably, his work on Marvel's "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" received widespread acclaim.  Cheng's dedication to martial arts in film was honored with the inaugural Bruce Lee Award in 2021. With a diverse portfolio spanning Hong Kong, China, and Hollywood, Cheng continues to captivate audiences with his universal appeal and breathtaking action sequences, exemplifying his mastery in the craft learned from industry luminaries.

Mastering Flavors, Defying Limits – A Culinary Journey Beyond Sight | 4x4

A renowned chef, writer, and TV host, Christine Ha made history as the first blind contestant to win MasterChef's third season in 2012. Despite her visual impairment, she has triumphed as a talented Vietnamese American chef, becoming an inspiration for many due to her culinary achievements, and her impactful work in the world of cooking and television.

In this Episode, Christine shares her inspirational journey in the culinary world, from her early experiences of moving from Saigon to Texas, following the Vietnam War, to hosting Four Senses, a cooking show for the visually impaired. We also get fun insights about her experience as a contestant on MasterChef, her collaborations with Chef Gordon Ramsay as well as Chef Tony Nguyen, and what lasting impacts those moments had on her.

In 2014, Christine made history as the first chef and author to receive the prestigious Helen Keller Personal Achievement Award, with us she shares how this triumph influenced her efforts in advocating for people with vision loss and her work in the culinary world. As author of the highly acclaimed book: Recipes from My Home Kitchen: Asian and American Comfort Food , she shares the inspiration behind this project and also highlights her favorite recipes!

 

Illuminating Histories, Fostering Connections – One Mural at a Time | 4x3

Eliseo Art Silva is a contemporary multimedia artist whose vibrant creations breathe life into historical narratives and foster compassionate connections within communities. Born in Manila in 1972, he migrated to the United States at 17, bringing a rich tapestry of Filipino heritage that now intricately weaves through his remarkable body of work. Renowned for designing iconic landmarks like the Eastern Gateway to Historic Filipinotown and the Gintong Kasaysayan mural, Eliseo is not only a muralist, but also a visionary who amplifies historically marginalized voices.

In this Episode, joined by host Joanne Whitlock, Eliseo shares his experiences of growing up in Manila before immigrating to the US, and what early influences sparked his interest in art. As a Mural Artist, Eliseo takes us through his processes when it comes to the conception of his designs, and how he exquisitely captures historical narratives, in which inspires community solidarity through philosophy and urban design.

As Founding President of FANHS-PA and Events Coordinator of Gawad Kalinga Pennsylvania, Eliseo explains how the world of art further cultivates and highlights Filipino American history/culture, promoting the importance of heritage. Find Eliseo at www.eliseoartsilva.com to view more of his work and testimonials.

Weaving Stories, Shaping Culture, Inspiring Change | 4x2

A multifaceted creative force, Nic Cha Kim is an award-winning television reporter, documentary filmmaker, playwright, and cultural activist. With a remarkable career spanning across various artistic disciplines, Nic has made significant contributions to the world of arts and culture in downtown Los Angeles.

In this episode with host, Rasha Goel, Nic Cha Kim shares his experiences in the '92 LA Uprising, how he views the intersection of technology and art that shape the future of creative expression, and what trends he is currently excited about in the world of digital art. We also get insight on his views in regards to the ever evolving relationship between media, storytelling, and social change, especially in the context of today's fast-paced digital world.

He has won 4 LA Emmys for his work on SoCal Connected (KCET) and Artbound (KCET), as well as, the LA Press Club's 'Television Journalist of the Year Award'. Executive Director of Niche.LA Video Art, Nic directs and produces documentaries for public television and curates digital and video art shows. (Editor of Niche.LA Video Art featured in the Tumblr Art Spotlight). His plays Trapezoid, RE:verse, Rise Up!, and Like Yesterday have been produced for the stage by Lodestone Theatre Ensemble and Company of Angels.