Get Into Houa's Mind

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