Meet an AWC Alum: Tiger Souvannakoumane
/The Armed With a Camera Fellowship for Emerging Media Artists has recently opened its call for Fellows for its 2016-2017 cycle. Applications are due October 7, 2016. For submission guidelines and more info, click here.
What’s been keeping you busy? How has life been after AWC? What projects are you currently working on right now?
The internet stops for no one. I started as a video fellow at a media company, so I produce online content on a regular basis now. I've been trying to understand how the internet works and that's what I mostly think about. I'm currently working on a few projects centered around relationships and understanding what it means to be human. And of course, I have a few videos centered around AAPI issues which I'm always happy to bring awareness too.
How did you first hear about AWC? What made you decide to apply?
I heard about AWC through friends. I graduated college and was starting my film career. I didn't know how to move forward. I saw my friends and people I respected go through AWC. I decided to apply because I wanted to be a part of this community and amazing legacy.
Tell us, how has the program experience challenged your filmmaking process?
Before AWC, I was creating videos independently as an art major. I had very little filmmaking knowledge, so most of the time I needed to figure out how my art skills would transfer over to film. In the end, I realized they weren't too different at all.
How did it feel to be a part of the AWC Fellowship - working amongst AAPI filmmakers?
The whole fellowship felt like such a blessing. I've never worked amongst such talented AAPI filmmakers. There aren't too many opportunities that create a community of AAPI creatives, so this is amazing. It's even better to see how everyone career's grows and how it starts to influence the creative space we all work in.
Who do you think would benefit most of the AWC Fellowship?
If you have a strong sense of who you are as a content creator, this is for you. In my experience, each fellow has a distinct voice and a good amount of experience. When all these people come together, it's a great space to start expanding your voice into new areas that other fellows are good at.
What did it mean to you to have your film premiered at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival?
The premiere holds a special place in my heart. Being someone that focuses on online content, premiering at a film festival isn't a thing that happens all the time. So sitting in a room filled with strangers laughing and crying along with something I made was really magical.
