A note from our director sharing her journey to pursue this dream.
" 一部电影 一个梦想 " 導演的 留言 :
March 2014
3.5 years ago, around this time, Kiasu was written…
And in a blink of an eye, back from Taiwan’s Premiere,
I am now waiting for Malaysian’s Premiere in June.
It hasn't sunk in yet...
For years, the story has been lingering in my mind and
for years I kept putting it off to complete the script.
Kiasu was personal, a heavy subject that I wanted to convey but
told in a light hearted way.
The LEAP of FAITH…
2011 ~ I finally decided to drop everything,
stop accepting any freelancing jobs,
and concentrated on writing Kiasu.
By March 2011, the first draft was completed.
What’s next ? I wondered
I was in a situation where budding filmmakers are all too familiar with-
沒錢, 沒地位, 沒背景 ( No Money, No Status & No Network.)
I didn’t know who, how or where to start.
The Unpredictable Journey
With a document and pitch in mind, we're off.
From approaching sponsors to investors, distributors, actors & producers,
it was indeed challenging.
Most of the time it was mainly about getting the funds.
It was grueling, especially when you are an unknown filmmaker.
Even harder when you are a female director.
The prejudice & stereotyping will just amaze you.
And yes, the waiting itself can sometimes discourage you too.
2 years, with no income, this dream was pursued with passion.
There were times when you get ridiculed as trying to chase a dream that
was far too impossible or just too big for you.
Times when you were mocked by peers doubting you
Sometimes, even the people closest to you does not support
nor believed in your dreams.
It makes you doubt yourself...
It is a lonely path,
Times like these either makes you or breaks you,
Times like these, makes you wonder if it'll ever ever happen,
After all the effort and perseverance..
Was it worth it?
Do you give up ?
Come March 26 2013.
Kiasu had its 1st day of shoot.
It finally happened...
Sitting in front of the monitor feels surreal,
especially that moment when camera rolls &
the sound of clapperboard SNAPS for her 1st shot!
How amazing ~ this little film has come this far.
From paper.. it is now popping to Life!
By the time the movie premieres in June,
this Journey would have taken 3.5 years.
Compare to some, this process was pretty quick.
Some say its luck.
Perhaps..
If it is.. It took 3.5-determinated-years to materialize.
I am however grateful.
Grateful for those who were my pillars, grateful for the opportunity,
Thankful for the faith in people who saw hope and took a risk in Kiasu.
For these are the people I will never forget.
Thankful for all involved who made this little film ( 小品) happened.
I pray that I will continue making movies and
move my audience for years to come .
To All Aspiring Filmmakers / Dream Chasers:
Don’t let negativity and dream stealers beat you down,
Don’t be discouraged,
Many successful people made it to the top with little or no support.
If you have any, consider yourself blessed.
You will find out who your true friends are.
From this journey, I learned :
Your dreams & goals are in yours hands.
No one decides your future or life's path.
It will not be easy, so be prepared.
You may just have to make that CLIMB alone.
As there will be those, who hope to see you fail.
But if you truly believe and work hard on your passion,
the fruit of labour will blossom...
Also, its Ok to feel scared, remember what they say ;
If your dreams don't scare you,
It ain't big enough!
The Reality
Knock on every door you can find, cos it's your responsibility,
you create Your own opportunity, your own luck!
No one is going to throw that 'Golden Ticket' on your lap.
Everyone sees the glory moments when one has achieved something.
They think it was easy.
Envy, as they want what you have, but didn’t have it in them to pursue it.
They have no clue how long you’ve been chasing dreams before it paid-off.
People ask:
你平什么? 我平... 熱情 努力 毅力 不放棄 和 希望.
3.5 yrs...
Was it worth it?
Heck YEA!
I am glad I DARED to DREAM !
I am glad I took that leap of faith.
You can too..
Just take action.
You'll be surprised how far it'll take you...
“Successful people are not people who just win all the time,
they are the ones who have failed a thousand times,
but STOOD UP again after the fall and made it work."
敢动，才能圆梦！
希望大家都能 勇敢的追夢...
加油 !
The Reality
Knock on every door you can find, cos it's your responsibility,
you create Your own opportunity, your own luck!
No one is going to throw that 'Golden Ticket' on your lap.
Everyone sees the glory moments when one has achieved something.
They think it was easy.
Envy, as they want what you have, but didn’t have it in them to pursue it.
They have no clue how long you’ve been chasing dreams before it paid-off.
People ask:
你平什么? 我平... 熱情 努力 毅力 不放棄 和 希望.
Was it worth it?
Heck YEA!
I am glad I DARED to DREAM !
I am glad I took that leap of faith.
You can too..
Just take action.
You'll be surprised how far it'll take you...
“Successful people are not people who just win all the time,
they are the ones who have failed a thousand times,
but STOOD UP again after the fall and made it work."
敢动，才能圆梦！
希望大家都能 勇敢的追夢...
加油 !
GOD BLESS.
劉導
~ Gwo ~
