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Page 1: In the Spotlight: Mike Siv, FilmmakerBy Phatry Pan
Saturday, January 10th, 2004
In the Spotlight is a joint publication between Rajana Society and KhmerConnection.
 Mike Siv, Filmmaker
Mike Siv of the "T.L." is blunt when he speaks. Mike Siv has skills in and out of the courts. Mike Siv is a perfect fit for the Spotlight's slogan, "Real People. Real Talent." In this uncensored interview, he shares about his love in filmmaking; a skill groomed by the respectable documentary director Spencer Nakasako of AKA Don Bonus and recently the Oscar-nominated film, Refugee. Besides spending hours chopping clips and snapping pics, Mike enjoys hearing another sound--the sound of chain swishes with the fellas. He ends with his ventings on the Khmer community, a piece he hopes opens a constructive dialogue between leaders in the Community. Come and explore the mind of a filmmaker, editor, baller, coach, and critic in his first ever appearance on interview.
RAJANA: Please introduce yourself. You know, the basics.
MIKE: I am 27 years old, Cambodian born. My mother and I arrived in Washington, D.C. in 1981. I have grown up in the Tenderloin (TL) District of San Francisco for most of my life.
I am a filmmaker.
RAJANA: What is your current title at the Vietnamese Youth Development Center (VYDC) where you work at?
MIKE: Media Program Coordinator.
RAJANA: When did you get involve with VYDC?
MIKE: When I was 16 or 17 years old, so around 1993 or 1994.
RAJANA: Who is Spencer Nakasako?
MIKE: Spencer is an award winning filmmaker, mentor, and one of my inspirations.
RAJANA: So Spencer is the link to your current involvement with film now?
MIKE: Yes. After Spencer finished the Emmy winning Khmer documentary, AKA Don Bonus, I was asked to be his editor.
RAJANA: I see. So you are an editor too?
MIKE: Yes. Im one of the editors for REFUGEE, and also edited/co-directed Who I Became.
RAJANA: Have you received any formal education in filmmaking and editing?
MIKE: Oh no. All my training was from Spencer. My highest level in education is a bachelors degree from San Francisco State University in Liberal Arts studies.
RAJANA: Gotcha! Oh, can you tell us more about Who I Became?
MIKE: Its a short 20-minute documentary about a young Khmer American, Pounloeu Chea. The story retells Pounloeu's life -- from his homeless years living in the streets, his trouble with the law, his pregnant girlfriend, to his transformation in being a father.
 RAJANA: What more can you say about Pounloeu?
MIKE: He's an amazing young man. He has matured up since the birth of his son, Poncey Chea. He has a good paying job in construction. His dream now is to earn enough money to buy a house for his family.
RAJANA: Has "Who I Became" been screened anywhere yet?
MIKE: Oh yes, several times. In fact, it made its national debut earlier this fall quarter on the PBS series, "Matters of Race." Spencer produced this along with Roja Productions.
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Disclaimer: KC articles are pubished for the information and entertainment of members of KC. The material published is selected for its interest and the views expressed therein are not necessarily those of KC nor its staff. |
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