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Living between two countries has been an exhilarating and at times challenging experience. The constant travel, cultural adjustments, and jetlag can be overwhelming. But as an artist and independent filmmaker, dividing my time between Sydney, Australia, and Las Vegas, Nevada has opened up a world of opportunities and expanded my horizons in unimaginable ways.


Just this year, I've already planned four flights between these vibrant cities. Each trip brings a mix of excitement and exhaustion, but the rewards far outweigh the challenges. Being transnational has allowed me to acquire valuable skills, knowledge, and networking opportunities that benefit both sides.


Sydney, with its thriving arts and film scene, has been my creative hub for the past 15 years. It's a city that breathes creativity, and I consider myself fortunate to be a part of its independent screen sector.

From my early days as an aspiring filmmaker to my recent success as an actor in the Paramount TV series "Last King of the Cross" and my very own action movie "Echo 8," Sydney has nurtured my artistic spirit and provided a supportive community of fellow artists and filmmakers. The opportunities for collaboration and artistic growth have been boundless.



On the other hand, Las Vegas, known for its glitz and glamour, offers a different kind of energy. It's a melting pot of diverse talents and creative industries. Immersing myself in the Las Vegas film scene, I discovered a thriving community of artists, actors, and filmmakers who are eager to push boundaries and tell unique stories. The city's enthusiasm for entertainment and openness to new ideas have fueled my passion for creating innovative and thought-provoking projects.


I appreciate the can-do attitude prevalent here, which sometimes contrasts with the tall poppy syndrome I've encountered in Australia when standing out. In the United States, hustle and confidence are encouraged, and with a credible track record, one can thrive. When I'm in the US, my persistent determination is met with opportunities to collaborate and demonstrate my capabilities.


Living between these dynamic cities has allowed me to bridge cultures and infuse diverse perspectives into my work. The contrasting experiences and influences from Sydney and Las Vegas have shaped my artistic vision, propelling me to explore new narratives and challenge existing norms. In the United States, I'm seen as driven and community-focused, whereas in Australia, there can be skepticism. When I'm in the US, I find that my tenacity opens doors for collaboration and proves my worth.


Certainly, navigating time zones and managing jetlag can be exhausting. Yet, for me, the sacrifices are worth it. The opportunity to work on projects that span continents and collaborate with talented individuals from different backgrounds has enriched my creative process. It has broadened my understanding of global audiences and empowered me to craft stories that resonate with diverse viewers.


I've learned the importance of resilience, adaptability, and building a strong support system. Balancing work commitments, personal relationships, and self-care while staying connected to both communities requires effort. It's about embracing the challenges and finding beauty in the duality of existence.


As an artist and independent filmmaker, being transnational has transformed my journey. It has allowed me to immerse myself in different cultures, learn from various artistic traditions, and forge connections that transcend borders. The synergy between Sydney and Las Vegas has shaped my creative voice and emboldened me to push boundaries and explore uncharted territories.


Living between two worlds comes with its complexities, but the rewards are immeasurable. It serves as a constant reminder of the vastness of our world and the multitude of stories waiting to be told. As I continue my journey as a transnational artist, I'm grateful for the experiences, opportunities, and growth that come with straddling two countries. Navigating between Sydney and Las Vegas is a privilege, and I eagerly anticipate the next chapter of this adventure.


I'm thrilled to be returning to Sydney on July 25. Exciting things await as I showcase "Ritual," a live martial arts performance featuring talented artists Kimberley Vo, Therese Chen, and our newest collaborator Haruka Kuni, who will mesmerize with their Taiko drumming at the Art Gallery of NSW. Additionally, I'll be premiering the documentary I directed, "Warrioress," and conducting an acting workshop at Cabramatta Whitlam Library, among other thrilling ventures.


#LivingBetweenTwoWorlds #TransnationalArtist #SydneyAustralia #LasVegasNevada #CreativeJourney #ArtisticGrowth #CulturalBridge #GlobalPerspectives #CollaborationOpportunities #PushingBoundaries #UnchartedTerritories #Resilience #Adaptability #SupportSystem #EmbracingChallenges #DualityOfExistence #CreativeSynergy #ImmersedInCultures #Storytelling #GratefulForOpportunities #NextChapter #RitualPerformance #TaikoDrumming #WarrioressDocumentary #ActingWorkshop #ThrillingVentures

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Los Angeles, CA - We are thrilled to announce that Las Vegas-based actress and martial artist Maria Tran has joined the cast of the upcoming Vietnamese supernatural film "A Lone Lost Soul," directed by Theone Ly. Tran's addition to the already talented cast promises to take this movie to a whole new level.

Cast of A Lone Lost Soul

Maria Tran is a rising star in the entertainment industry, known for her captivating performances in various movies and TV shows, including "Last King of the Cross," "Hit Girls," and Truong Ngoc Anh’s Vietnamese blockbuster "Truy Sat/ Tracer".

Her unique blend of martial arts skills and acting talent has made her a favorite among audiences and critics alike.

"A Lone Lost Soul" is a spine-chilling tale of a supernatural entity that haunts a young Vietnamese-American woman, leading her on a journey to uncover the truth about her past. The movie features an ensemble cast of talented actors, including Nguyen Cao Ky Duyen, Trinh Hoi, Kate Vu, and now, Maria Tran.

Nguyen Cao Ky Duyen is a Vietnamese singer, actress, and TV personality who rose to fame as a host on the popular musical variety show "Paris By Night." She is considered a cultural icon in the Vietnamese community.

Tran's inclusion in the film adds to the excitement and anticipation surrounding its release.

Follow the film's social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, and their website to stay up-to-date with all the latest news and information. We can't wait to share this unforgettable experience with you.

Facebook: A Lone Lost Soul

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alonelostsoulfilm/

Website: https://www.alonelostsoul.com/


Join us in welcoming Maria Tran to the cast of "A Lone Lost Soul." Her addition to this supernatural thriller is sure to be unforgettable.


MARIA TRAN THAM GIA PHIM SIÊU NHIÊN "MỘT LINH HỒN LẠC LỐI"

Los Angeles, CA - Chúng tôi rất phấn khởi thông báo rằng nữ diễn viên và

võ sĩ Maria Tran đến từ Las Vegas đã tham gia vào dàn diễn viên của bộ phim siêu nhiên Việt "Một Linh Hồn Lạc Lối," do đạo diễn Theone Ly chỉ đạo. Sự xuất hiện của Maria Tran cùng với dàn diễn viên tài năng sẽ đưa bộ phim này lên một tầm cao mới.

Maria Tran là một ngôi sao đang lên của ngành giải trí, được biết đến với những màn trình diễn hấp dẫn trong nhiều phim và chương trình truyền hình, bao gồm "Last King of the Cross," "Hit Girls," và bộ phim bom tấn Việt Nam "Truy Sát" của Trương Ngọc Ánh.

Sự kết hợp độc đáo giữa kỹ năng võ thuật và tài năng diễn xuất của cô đã khiến cô trở thành một trong những nữ diễn viên được yêu thích nhất của khán giả và giới phê bình.

"Một Linh Hồn Lạc Lối" là câu chuyện kinh dị về một thực thể siêu nhiên ám ảnh một phụ nữ gốc Việt kiều Mỹ trẻ tuổi, dẫn dắt cô đi tìm hiểu sự thật về quá khứ của mình. Bộ phim có sự tham gia của một dàn diễn viên tài năng, bao gồm Nguyễn Cao Kỳ Duyên, Trịnh Hội, Kate Vũ, và hiện tại là Maria Tran.

Việc Maria Tran gia nhập vào bộ phim đang tạo ra sự háo hức và mong đợi lớn đối với sự ra mắt của nó.

Hãy theo dõi trang mạng xã hội Facebook, Instagram và trang web của bộ phim để cập nhật tin tức và thông tin mới nhất. Chúng tôi không thể chờ đợi để chia sẻ trải nghiệm khó quên này với bạn.

Facebook: Một Linh Hồn Lạc Lối

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alonelostsoulfilm/

Website: https://www.alonelostsoul.com/

Hãy cùng chào đón Maria Tran đến với dàn diễn viên của "Một Linh Hồn Lạc Lối." Sự tham gia của cô trong bộ phim siêu

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Making films that collect the human experience found me during my years of studying Psychology from 2003-2007. I was always fascinated by the profound aura of film and subject in real-time and how the maker’s behind-the-lens empathetic nature shapes the course of what is captured.


To date, I’ve interviewed over hundreds of subjects on a bunch of community commissioned projects, and almost the majority was a run and gun set up, which requires tremendous energy to match the energies of the subject, set the environment, and strike with the right questions at the right time.


There were a bunch of dos and don’t that I’ve learned that every documentarian should know, but the biggest component of all cannot be learned and it requires the filmmaker to tap into their spiritual calm, be reassured that they are doing the right thing, and being open to sensing the interviewee on an energetic level.


Being able to read people’s emotions, what they say, how they say it, and whether those energies match are all guides to the spiritual filmmaker.

I’ve seen subjects who (aware or not) try to appear in certain ways - say the right thing, sell you on something, and yet you don’t feel it’s aligned with their true inner self.


Hence, your role is to break that spell and connect with the subject matter on a much deeper level with your true empathetic self.


Consider this: the subject tells you they are excited about the project, but shows nervousness. Another tells you the importance of change but sounds scripted. Some say they are happy about a result, but look bored.


Basically, whatever vibe you get from the person conveys where they are at in the present. Most people are not intentionally misleading - they are just aware of what they project. Your spiritual role is to eliminate the roadblock (it could be a distraction or a fear of being judged) and give them space to speak freely.


How to do that without major upheaval is through the power of the questions you ask and how you ask them.


For me, documentary filmmaking is one of many facets of who I am. There’s acting, teaching, speaking, and the occasional home renovations I do, but with everything, my underlying core essence of empathy, collaborative creation & the trust that we are all building towards something amazing.



 

Anyhow, I’ve currently been commissioned to make a historical documentary on Fairfield’s community resilience during the pandemic. There were no subjects to interview today. It was just my solo self and the environment. Still, the spiritual sense is a powerful way to guide you to important messaging the environment can aid your storytelling.


Just a nice meditative stroll through the neighbour led me to capture this:




I would love to know what you think these images mean?


#filmmaker #documentary #fairfield #pandemic #wetherillpark #publicspaces #publicart #artist #spiritualfilmmaker


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