Get Into Houa's Mind

It's been a year since we began production! And we're 90% done! Whoo-hoo! I'm so proud of my team for their hard work, passion, and determination to help this project along. Check us out at www.houaproduction.com.

In October of 2014, we began Houa Production's journey of "Tuag Los Tseg." I never thought I'd be here facing the last two months of production. It's been such a wonderful journey with the cast and crew members. I have to say that I think I have the best production crew because we all click together and we have the same vision. We want to progress as a team instead of individuals. I'm so proud of my team and I can't wait for you to see our finalized project. It's been hard. I won't lie to you. We work so hard with the early mornings, late nights, and weekends taken away to film. But we're getting there. We're making progress and I'm very excited for you all to see what we have in store. Not too long ago, I was just a stay at home mother with a big dream of making it in the film business. Today, I'm staring at it right in the face with some of the best people in the world. I couldn't have asked for a better team.  Thank you s...

Here is our newest trailer. We've been working super hard! Thanks for supporting us through liking our page, sharing our trailers, and subscribing to our  channel. Please continue to do so. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZIp6VUrdys

Life is made up of many chapters. When we are born, we are faced with a happiness that fills our heart and soul. We begin to create memories through our childhood years of learning to ride a bike, fighting with our siblings, and getting hearts broken by the opposite gender. We grow up wondering when life will truly begin. What we sometimes forget is that life is already happening as we're living each day. Life allows us to meet some of the most incredible people through marriage of two people, birth, or a miracle. For me, it was through marriage. I had the chance to become a member of the Vang family and met an incredible brother in law, Leng. Sure, the years I had known him was little compared to his own family, but even then, his touch of happiness and laughter had the same effect. He always made me feel as if I was one of the family. Each time I came to visit Leng and his family, he always came to hug me and say, "Niam Tij, I'm happy to see you." His embrace...

It'll be one year next month that we began our journey on Tuag Los Tseg. Since then we've learned a lot, laughed more, and created a bond that has put us together closer. My amazing team at Houa Production is one that I am so proud of. We work so hard together, but we never forget the true meaning of why we do what we do. It's what I love so much about this team. Each and every one of them is multi-talented, driven, and passionate in making a difference in our community. To me, they are all heroes that deserve a badge of honor for their hard work, authenticity, and passion in this production company. We are where we are because they work twice as hard as I do. Thank you guys! You guys mean the world to me. 

It's September and school has begun. This year, Nathaniel has entered 1st grade and Karina will be a junior. It's unbelievable how fast time flies. A long time ago, I was a mother of one, wondering if the Gods would bless me with more children. Today, I stand as a mother of five! You heard me, five! It's been a long and difficult journey for me this year. Not only has the Gods tested me in hardship with my production company, but my father's health. It's so hard to see him from afar suffering and knowing that he used to be the warrior in our family. But I've learned my strength from him and I will not give up. I'm a long distance from him, but it doesn't mean I love him any less. He's a strong man; a fighter. I know he'll pull through.  Half the year is gone already and each day, time just seems to tick by faster and faster. I'm so emotional when it comes to time and how it can steal away precious times. My kids are growing up and I'm...

On Sunday, we all gathered at Bruce Ventro Trail park in St. Paul and shot one of our biggest fight scenes. Our stunt team, 360 Unleashed, helped coordinate the fight scene for us. Our special guest star, Yengtha Her, came to support us as we spent a day outside. Our hero, Txos Lauj, experienced firsthand the rough beating from about 8 mafia men who prevented him from achieving his one goal: Getting out of the tunnel alive. I have to say, it was an incredible experience for me. The team was amazing and everyone worked together harmoniously to get the job done. The camermen were great in all their work and offered great advice when needed. It was fun to watch the fight scene in my head unfold before my eyes. I'll admit, shooting the fight scene was a lot more challenging than I thought. When a kick was done correctly during rehearsal, cameras weren't rolling. But the end results were perfect and I am so proud of my entire cast and crew. It has given me a new outlook on fil...

The truth about a mirror is that it doesn’t show you your youth It only shows the stories you’ve lived with the lines across your face Each line carries with it a hurt or a burden that you’ve endured You learn to become stronger as the time goes by Or you fall into pieces a bit each day and hide it under your skin The truth about a mirror is that it doesn’t hide your pain You relive it each time you glance at yourself It slowly crawls across your face and settles into staring back at you It doesn’t let you go until you’ve decided it’s enough For some this pain is an eternity of hell The truth about a mirror is that it doesn’t lie You may hide yourself in shades of colors or masks But at the end of the day the mask has to come off You will have to look at yourself and be honest Because the person behind that mirror does exist The truth about a mirror is that it proves hate does exist in you Each time you curse or envy someone else it’s there t...

This weekend, we will be working with 360 Unleashed stunt team on the tunnel fight scene. This scene is an epic part of the film because it ties everything together in the film. This will be the scene that tests Kub Ci's durability, his strength, and how far he will go to save the one he loves. I'm not going to lie, this has been a scene that had my heart expanding as I wrote it. It means so much to me because everything in life comes to a point where you must choose, whether to be good or bad, a hero or a villain, and here, in this scene, it will reveal everything to our audience. I'm very honored that 360 Unleashed has been kind enough to offer to help design this fight scene. With limited experience from my end, I don't think it will be as expertly put together if I had done it alone. I have enjoyed this journey so much and I have learned so much. Despite many non supporters, I still know that I will survive this journey and make it forward. I don't mind the no...

Over the weekend, Houa Production held its very first school supply drive. With donations from kind hearted people who believed in education and building a bright future for young children, we were able to give away 5,000 supplies to returning students. The feeling of giving something back to the community is a priceless feeling. I am so grateful that I had the chance to do this. Just seeing the eyes of the children as they each got a bag from our team was a feeling that pulled at my gut. It was a beautiful sight to see. Giving back requires nothing, but good intention to the ones receiving. Thank you so much for your support in creating a bright future for our children.

In October, it will be one year since production began. Since then, we've bled and sweat together to make this project. I sit at home when I am back from set and I wonder to myself how it is that I was able to have such astounding people in my life. The cast and crew has taught me so much as a director and as a person. I'm able to find peace with my writing and I am at a place in my life where I am filled with content and pride. I take a look at the people who work with me and all I see are beautiful, bright, and talented people who will take the cinema world into a place where it will be rise. Working with every one of them has given me a chance to open up my eyes and door to a place where new found joy has begun. When I arrive on set, everyone is always ready and prepared to take on the day. At the end of the day, when shooting has wrapped, no matter how long of hours we've spent together, or how much retake I've asked to do, everyone still applauds and smiles...

Over the weekend, we shot four scenes. We spent Saturday submerged in water on a cloudy day with our youth extra church members. I'm glad we finished on time because it started to rain right after we finished shooting. On Sunday, we spent it in the thick of woods being eaten alive by mosquitoes. The bug spray did not do us any justice. I got four all across my forehead. Yikes! But we were able to eliminate four scenes from our list of things to shoot.

Wow! Can you believe it's August already? Where has the time gone? Obviously, we can't stop it. Summer is marching by fast. My time has been slipping by so fast because I'm so busy. I'm working almost 10 to 12 hours on set each time and it's been crazy at home with five kids. I find myself running on four hours of sleep at night, but I feel energetic? Is this  normal? I'm not sure. I'm still waiting for the crash and burn and it's not happened yet.  This year, we shot our two biggest scenes; the war scene and the emotionally challenging scene. Now we're heading toward softer shore with a less dramatic feel. But I think we're going to feel the tension with these scenes because I have been itching to film it for a while now. I'm so happy that we're moving along and getting things done. The team is incredible and I'm so blessed to have them on this project. 

Over the weekend, we spent 12 hours on set Saturday and Sunday. It was a grueling weekend with flies, blood, and tears. But we made it! We have successfully filmed one of our biggest scene and our most emotionally challenging scene. More to go and I couldn't be happier!

On Saturday morning July 11 th , at nine in the morning, I sat at Breugger’s Bagels by the window reviewing my notes. As I drank my cup of cappuccino, a muscular, well built, dark haired man entered and looked at me with bright, honest eyes. Dressed in black jeans, a dark printed t-shirt with a church pedant, and two rings on his left hand, I got up to shake the hand of sensational musician Billy Xiong. I had been a follower and fan of his for a long time. His song, “Neej Ntxuag Kua Muag,” is a song that will forever be embedded in my soul. And when I met him, my insides were jumping around. I literally felt like a little school girl meeting her idol. We sat down and Billy told me his story.             Billy Xiong comes from Christian roots and in 1987 he began singing in the church choir. He loved being on stage, loved the microphone, it came naturally for him. So a few friends of his formed a band called “Moj Zeej,” and ...

Education is a part of us that no one can take away. Please join me and my production team on Augst 15th, Saturday fro 3 to 6PM at Hmong Village for a school supply giveaway for our students. This is a great cause for most parents are unable to provide. We hope to see you!

Can you believe it's been half a year already? Doesn't time just fly by? It's crazy how fast time flies by and how little or a lot we can accomplish within that time frame. Well, for me, it's been crazy with a capital C. First, I had my baby. Yes, I had my son, Hektor Thaj Yeeb Vang. He was born on June 17, 2015 at 2:08 in the afternoon. He came out weighing five pounds, ten ounces, and was 20 inches long. The most perfect little bundle of joy. He was born on a Wednesday and on Thursday, we came home to his four siblings, who absolutely adore him. He's growing up wonderfully and has been a little angel so far...well, at least during the day. The night time, he's still learning he needs to sleep =) But it's ok. He's my little prince. July is here and with it, some beautiful weather. I am beyond thrilled that this year, I got to meet a friend, who has been an inspiration to my writing. Like she said, we met through a book, a book I wrote. We became fast ...

Minneapolis, MN--On Monday June 22nd, at 9PM, if you're at home doing the same thing as you normally do, I invite you to try a little horror comedy. Yes, you heard me...horror comedy. From Tshaj Lij Production comes their first feature length film titled, "The Crush: Tus Kuv Hlub," debating at Riverview Theaters in Minneapolis next Monday at 9PM. The film presents itself in a whole new way of genre that may make you think twice before you want to laugh or cover your eyes. Sai (played by Hai Thao, who was prince charming in 2011), had a goal of writing a screenplay in mind. His friend Nkauj (played by Ivy Yang) has had a childhood crush on him at the beginning of their friendship. As the phrase goes, promises shouldn't not be made if it can't be kept. But...between Sai and Nkauj, a promise was struck and a compromise was made. Now into adulthood, Sai's screenplay has a shot at being produced and filmed. On the last day of the production, however, Nkauj falls ...

So...since October, our cast and crew from Houa Production has been working extremely hard. We had the long winter where we shot inside scenes. Now that we're facing the summer season, we're filming outdoors. We've faced the long hours of being in the sun, the constant weather bipolar (rain or not), and the laughter of bloopers. I have to say, I have learned so much since starting this project and I aim to learn more by the time production wraps. I want to give a shout out to my team of Tuag Los Tseg, who has been an amazing bunch. You guys are awesome and if I forget to tell you, know that you mean more than everything to me. Our time together has brought me into a place where I have learned so much about myself and discovering the talent among you guys is more beautiful than words can say. ~Houa

We started production in October and have been filming weekends with a month off in December. From then until now, we're about 40% finished with Tuag Los Tseg. It has been an amazing journey for me. I'll admit, directing a film, is not easy work. But I love it. I love seeing the finished scenes we take and I love the friendship we bond over filming. Most of all, I love the energy from my team. It takes a great team to get a project finished, and I have to say, I am working with some of the best people. It hasn't been that long since I crossed off the bucket list of directing a film and already, I feel as if I've made a difference in myself. I know that the path to go is still yet long and very unpredictable, but there's no doubt, at the end, I will see the rewards. I aim for it and I will not settle for less. The whole idea of settling for less just makes me push myself harder than ever. So...with that said, the summer months are coming up upon us and what do we...

On Friday, March 27th, the cast and crew of Houa Production got together at a place located in Oakdale, MN, called Brother's Event Center, and put together a fundraiser for our production. We had a great entertainment schedule including guest artis DEI, YouTube sensation Blia Lor, and our entire cast and crew, who performed and wowed the audience. From all of us at Houa Production, we just wanted to thank you all for your generous donations and for supporting us. We appreciate your support so much and look forward to many more events with you! Houa Production team

It seems as if as of late I have done nothing but exercising my mind. I've read a total of seven books in four days. I have been unfolding romantic conflicts, war memoirs, and murder into my brain. And then I wonder why I dream so much at night without a moment's rest. I find myself even still lost in a spell when my eyes are closed. Do you?  Yes, I have a creative mind, and sometimes, it leaves me frightened because I seldom seem to have it under control. But when I do, I find that if I feed it some verbs, adjectives, and nouns, it tends to nourish me in return by allowing me peace and quiet. Odd how I find this entertaining and would rather do this than attend a party where I can dance into the wee hours.  Oh, my, this world has come crashing down to little moments lost in books. There are times that when my husband comes home and I'm still wrapped up in the same position where he left me. His first response is, "Have you moved at all today?" The answer is, ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nRy-1gkjvY Houa Production is having a cover contest for their theme song, "Xav Pom Koj." Here are the contest rules: 1. Contest ends March 24th midnight. Winner announced on March 26th. 2. You may cover it as a solo or a duet. If you do it as a solo, you are allowed to change the lyrics to fit. 3. You must tag Houa Production and also like our page. 4. Prize is $200, a free signed t-shirt, and if you are local, a vip table at our fundraiser on March 27th with a chance to perform live on stage. 5. The contest is open nationwide. 6. First person to submit their video will win a surprise gift. Happy singing!

                How many of you were the thousands who read 50 Shades of Grey? I was. When it first came out, a niece of mine asked if I had read it. I said no and her response was, “What?! I thought, of all people, you’d be the first to read it?” So I asked her what it was about and she gave me a brief summary. I went home, looked it up at the library, and reserved myself a copy. A week later, I got the call to go pick up book one.                 The cover itself is already haunting enough that it seems to invite you in. “Come in,” it seems to say to its readers. So that’s what I did. I went in and I got sucked into a world of such unearthly pleasures that I found myself wondering if all along I was missing something from this world. First and foremost, I am a married woman. I understand the definition of pleasures created by man and woman. But writer E.L. James...

There are many things in life that we treasure. For some, it is love. For others, it is wealth. Centuries ago, among the hills of a distance place, love and wealth weren’t among people’s minds. It was a something called the Miraculous cure and the Legendary script that had people fighting for lives and each other. From Imaginary Entertainment and worldwide sensation Yengtha Her, comes a film that puts two chapters into one, Kuab Muaj Tsuas 2.                 If you were the many who attended the premier release of Kuab Muaj Tsuas 2 at Willow Creek Theater, you would have found that the film itself was cut to fit the time frame of two hours. There were many missing parts and if it left you a little confused, you weren’t alone. I myself also attended the premier and was left trying to figuring out the puzzle as to what happened. But when I got my complimentary copy from Yengtha Her, I sat down and watched it a...

Domestic violence doesn’t just hurt the victim. It hurts everyone involved in the victim’s life. The ones who are left unattended and suffer the most are the young children who have to witness it. Recently, Porsha Chang, director and writer, wrote and directed a short film titled Leaky Roof: Tsev Xaw Naag. Its message spread throughout the web and I was one who sat down and watched it. The outcome of it left me feeling hollow and completely helpless. It made me realize how ugly this world can be behind closed doors.             Our culture has been male dominated for a long time. Women were voiceless and walked where the elders pointed. If a daughter came back home to tell a tale of domestic abuse, she was lectured and then turned over to her husband. Its violence was swept under the rugs where it was kept hidden and secret. No one knew the sufferance she went through and no one knew the pain she lived. This ten minute clip showe...