Kazua melissa vang

Convergence Filmmaker

biography

Kazua Melissa Vang is a Hmong-American multidisciplinary artist, filmmaker, photographer, and cultural producer based in Minnesota. Her work is deeply rooted in personal narrative, cultural memory, and the desire to amplify underrepresented voices within her community and beyond. A gifted visual storyteller, Vang’s photography has been exhibited at numerous respected venues, including In Progress, Second Shift Studio Space, Indigenous Roots, Quarter Gallery at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, The Catherine G. Murphy Gallery, The Gordon Parks Gallery at Metro State University, and the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. Her current photography series, PRESERVES, is an intimate reflection on grief and loss following the death of her father, shaped by over 21 years as his caregiver.

Committed to building a more inclusive film landscape, Vang co-founded the Asian Pacific Islander American (APIA) Minnesota Film Collective to create, promote, and empower underrepresented Minnesota filmmakers. Her production work has included serving as production manager for the independent pilot NICE, which premiered in the Indie Episodic category at the 2018 Tribeca Film Festival. She also wrote and directed RHAUB, a short film selected for the 2018 Qhia Dab Neeg Film Festival in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

Vang’s experimental film work includes HMONG EPHEMERA, developed with the support of the Forecast Public Art Early-Career Project grant. She has produced the comedic web series HMONG ORGANIZATION and recently produced THE WIND ALWAYS STRIKES THE HIGHEST MOUNTAIN, a Yeej Moua film featured at Northern Sparks Festival 2021. An accomplished and visionary creative, Vang has received multiple grants and fellowships from the Jerome Foundation, the Saint Paul Foundation, and other institutions in recognition of her contributions to arts and culture. She is currently in development on her first feature film and working on a documentary and portrait series titled HMOOB DUBBERS. She is also in pre-production on the documentary HMONG FUNERALS, a project exploring traditions, memory, and community care.

GOALS

  • Complete and present new film work by finalizing the Hmong Funeral Documentary and writing a new script with completed storyboards.

  • Refine artistic voice and visual language through collaborative development with a Director of Photography (DP) and illustrator, and by exploring storyboarding as a central storytelling tool.

  • Advance technical filmmaking skills with a focus on lighting techniques and photography review.

  • Strengthen career sustainability through grant and residency applications, and prepare for major fellowships such as the Bush and Jerome.

  • Rebrand professional presence through a revised website, improved portfolio, and gathering community testimonials.Objectives

Objectives

Creative and Project Completion

  • Finalize and publicly present the Hmong Funeral Documentary short.

  • Complete a first draft screenplay and storyboard.

  • Explore narrative development through storyboarding in collaboration with a DP and illustrator.

Artistic and Technical Development

  • Learn and apply storyboarding to communicate visual tone and intent.

  • Deepen understanding of lighting styles and photographic composition.

  • Revisit photography techniques as part of aesthetic refinement.

Professional Advancement

  • Apply for at least 2 artist/film residencies to support writing and story development.

  • Apply for 2 grants focused on visual style development.

  • Prepare materials and strategy for upcoming Bush and Jerome Fellowship submissions.

  • Solidify personal financial planning and business strategy as an independent producer.

Portfolio and Branding

  • Build or update a professional portfolio and artist website.

  • Collect quotes and testimonials reflecting community impact and artistic contributions.

  • Hire a graphic designer to lead a visual rebranding of digital tools and site.

Public Presentation and Industry Engagement

  • Maintain readiness for public presentation by adapting delivery to suit varied audiences.

  • Expand professional visibility through festival networks connected to Bitterroot and Asian American film circuits.

Network Building and Visioning

  • Strengthen ties with the Minnesota filmmaking community.

  • Collaborate with Jack Vang to explore sponsorship models for film and envision a Hmong Filmmaking Commission Office.

Professional Support

  • Beni Matias – documentary mentorship and guidance on project development.

  • Joua Lee-Grande – documentary mentorship and storytelling craft.

  • Ki Jin Kim – Director of Photography; collaboration on narrative visual language and storyboarding.

  • Xee Reiter – illustrator and storyboard collaborator.

  • May Lee-Yang – mentor for writing, character development, and plot structure.

Links