CASTING FOR 'GOOD GUYS' THE MOVIE

It's been a long while I've been blogging but I thought I'd take this opportunity to help out a friend of mine actress Stef Dawson who is currently in LA working on a project with Casting Director Matthew Barry ('The Notebook' and 'My Sisters Keeper')


“GOOD GUYS” PRODUCERS: MICHAEL MENDELSOHN, NANCY GREEN-KEYES

WRITER/DIRECTOR: MATTHEW BARRY

START DATE: SEPTEMBER 2011

LOCATION: DETROIT, MI

STORYLINE: On April 4th, 1991, in Sacramento, CA four Vietnamese immigrants walked into a Good Guys electronics store and held 39 people hostage for over 8 hours. With their demands not being met and law enforcement confused about what they actually wanted, a shootout took place. In the end, 6 were killed, 11 others wounded. This remains the biggest hostage situation ever in the history of America and the question to this day remains…why did it happen?

LOOKING FOR THE FOLLOWING ROLES:

LOI: (21) Asian – Born in South Vietnam, Loi was only 5 years old when his father, mother and brothers boarded a refugee boat seeking a better life. Refused in 3 different countries and floating at sea for months, they were often robbed at knifepoint by Thai pirates. A victim of such violence, Loi was left with permanent mental and emotional scars. Finally in America, Loi was unable to speak or write English, but unfairly forced into an unwelcoming school system. Wanting to please his father, he tried his very best but frustrated and discouraged, eventually dropped out. Unable to hold down a job, Loi was lonely, confused, and just wanted to go home to Vietnam. LEAD

LONG: (17) Asian - grew up watching American action movies and was entertained and heavily influenced by their violence, bitter Long has been carrying that heavy chip on his shoulder and was angry at the world. He and his friend Cuong tried to burn down their local school and were arrested and scheduled for a court date on April 5th. He hated authority and often clashed with his father, often calling him a “loser”. Manipulative and headstrong, Long was considered the self appointed mastermind behind the hostage plan. LEAD

PHAM: (19) Asian - at 19, Pham was still trying to complete high school. Often the target of humiliating remarks and the brunt of jokes, Pham tried to keep to himself wanting to make a better life for his family. But we all have breaking points. LEAD

CUONG: (17) Asian - The follower, he willingly did everything Long demanded of him. With a sweet, innocent face, Cuong was the victim of a mother who worked from 7am-9pm in her nail salon, hoping to give Cuong quality of life. Money doesn’t replace the need of mother’s love and attention. Like his buddies, he too was influenced by American movies Cuong just wanted to seen as a “tough guy”. LEAD

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST by email: goodguyscasting@gmail.com
FOR INFORMATION ABOUT AUDITIONS email Stef Dawson: steffiangel@hotmail.com

MOVIE WEBSITE: www.goodguysmovie.com

THANK YOU

A special thank you to all your kind words of condolences, phone calls and text messages at this difficult time - the first family funeral of my life:

Rev. Nguyen Quang Thanh, Rev. Paul Van Chi, Ninh Cat Loan Chau & Family, Y Lan, Anh-Tuan Le and family, Lynh Hoang + Nataleah, Michael Matthew Tran (Melbourne), Peter Le Anh, Sally Hoang, An-Quyen Tran, Hoang Ho Tu & Bass Hill Choir, Jason Clare MP (ALP), Dai Le (LIB),Joseph Adams (ABP), Son & Phuong family (Hoan My Jewellers), Michael Vu, Anh & Mai Dang + Maria Nhu Lan, Trammy Tnt Pham, Mylinh Dinh + Tri Vo, Angela Martin, Viet Anh Vu, Bryan Abarca, Thuy Linh Nguyen, Ami Nguyen Pham (Melbourne), Hoang Nguyen + Thai Quoc Nguyen & New Stars Band, Hoang Nam Vu, Theresa Nguyen (Nhu Quynh Tofu), Miss Vietnam Australia 2009 Anh Mai Ho, Mary Nguyen Thuy Trang, Vy Nguyen, Tina Thanh Tu, Quan Tran, Cecilia Bich Huyen Lam, Marjhel Castro (USA), Sydney Mai, Lyly Bich Nhu Mach, Magita Cho, Cecilia Tran (Melbourne), Minh Nguyen, , Tanya Thao, Dani Bui (Minh Tam), Lily Ng, John Mellino (Santos Cafe Canley Heights), Jet Li & Miss Congeniality Viet Uc 2010 Thi Liu, Kathy Kim Pham, Khang Nguyen, Mary Phan, Anna Bui, Amy and Anna Nguyen, Tuyen Nhu VU, Thuy & Bui familyMai Phuong Nguyen, colleages and staff at Suncorp... and many more to come..

Special thank you to Tania Mihailuk Mayor of Bankstown & Bankstown City Council for your beautiful floral gifts and messages of support.

Many thanks,
Joseph Hieu Dinh

CAO PHO

CÁO PHÓ

Trong niềm tin vào Chúa Giêsu Phục Sinh, đại gia đình chúng tôi vô cùng thương tiếc báo tin cùng thân bằng quyến thuộc, bạn hữu xa gần:


Ông cố GIUSE PHẠM NGỌC PHÁP
Sinh ngay 01/02/1920 tại Lưu Phương, Phát Diệm – Ninh Bình
Đã được Chúa gọi về lúc 1 giờ trưa ngày 2 tháng 8 năm 2010
tại Fountain Valley, California Hoa Kỳ
Hưởng thọ 90 tuổi

TANG GIA ĐỒNG KHẤP BÁO

- Vợ, Bà cố Nguyễn Thị Ba (USA)
- Trưởng Nữ Phạm Lan Phương, chồng Đinh Như Thuần cùng con cháu (Úc)
- Trưởng Nam Phạm Kim Anh, vợ Huệ cùng các con (USA)
- Thứ Nữ Phạm Thanh Tâm, chồng Ngô Anh Hoàng cùng các con (USA)
- Thứ Nam Phạm Minh Quang, vợ Trương Thanh Nga cùng các con (USA)
- Thứ Nữ Phạm Lệ Ánh, chồng Trương Trung Sơn cùng các con (USA)
- Thứ Nữ Phạm Thu Huyền, chồng Trần Hữu Nghiêm cùng các con (USA)
- Thứ Nam Phạm Phú Cường, vợ Trần Kim Phượng cùng các con (USA)
- Thứ Nam Đức Ông Giuse Phạm Quốc Tuấn (Toà Giám Mục Orange County USA)

Các em gái và em trai ruột:
- Bà quả phụ Phạm Thị Lực, các con và các cháu (VN)
- Bà quả phụ Phạm Thị Đào, các con và các cháu (VN)
- Ông Phạm Ngọc Kính, các con và các cháu (VN)
- Ông Phạm Văn Khanh, vợ, các con và các cháu (Úc)
- Bà Phạm Thị Hồng, chồng, các con và các cháu (VN)

Các em vợ:
- Ông bà Nguyễn Duy Châu, các con và các cháu (Úc)
- Ông bà Phạm Như Lân, các con và các cháu (Úc)
- Ông bà Nguyễn Duy Cần, các con và cháu (Úc)
- Ông bà Từ Văn Hào, các con và cháu (Úc)

Cháu ruột:
Đinh Phương Thảo, Đinh Xuân Nghị, Đinh Phương Thu, Joseph Hiếu Đinh, Manning Phạm Chính, Amy Hương Phạm, Kevin Ân Phạm, Dorothy Phạm, Ngô Vân Thy, Ngô Hồng Phượng, Ngô Anh Vũ, Ngô Quỳnh Dao, Catherine Phạm Quỳnh Nga, Patricia Phạm Bảo Nga, Tuấn Trương, Trang Trương, Trần Huyền Vy, Vincent Trần, Phạm Nhã Khanh, Nhã Quyên, Nhã Em

Cháu Chắt: Thomas Tuấn, Kathleen Cát Tiên, Natalie Cát Thy, Bảo Trân

Cáo Phó này thay thế Thiệp Tang
Tất cả xin lời cầu nguyện, miễn phúng điếu

The grandad I grew up with ...

Joseph Pham Ngoc Phap was born in January 1920 at Luu Phuong village, in the provience of Luu Phuong, Phat Diem in a very religious and respected family. In 1943 he married Mrs. Nguyen Thi Ba. Together they raised ten children. Two have passed away. The remaining eight sons and daughters currently resides in Vietnam, United States and Australia, including Monsignor (Đức Ông) Tuan Joseph Pham. He has 21 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

In 1950, he was elected General Secretary of the Catholic Parish Council of Phat Diem. In 1954, he migrated to the Republic of South Vietnam, where lived at the parish of An Lac, Tan Binh, Saigon. Here he was General Secretary of the An Lac High School and was teacher of Arts and Craft.

In 1992, he moved to the USA. Here he continued engaging with Church movements including the Legion of Mariae.

He was a person of gentleness, he doesn’t talk much, and yet loved by his children and grandchildren. His family legacy encouragres his children to excell academically and contribute to society. He was a very forgiving person, and always sharing with those in need. Towards the final years of his life, being frail due to old age, he spends most of his day on the walking frame, praying at the family private chapel.

His life journey ended on Monday 3 August 2010 at Fountain Valley, aged 90.

(Vietnamese)

Ông cố Giuse Phạm Ngọc Pháp sinh năm 1920 tại làng Lưu Phương (Phát Diệm), tỉnh Ninh Bình Việt nam trong 1 gia đình đạo hạnh gia phong.

Năm 1943, Ông lập gia đình với bà Nguyễn Thị Ba. Ông bà có tất cả 10 người con. Chúa cất đi 2 người, còn lại 8 người con (4 gái và 4 trai, trong đó có 1 Linh Mục là Đức Ông Giuse Phạm Quốc Tuấn, 21 người cháu nội ngoại và 4 chắt).

Năm 1950, Ông Cố làm thư ký Hội Đồng Giáo xứ Phát Diệm. Biến cố 1954, Ông Bà và gia đình bỏ miền bắc, trốn chạy Cộng sản, tìm tự do tại miền Nam Việt nam. Sinh sống tại xứ An lạc, xã Tân Sơn Hòa, quận Tân Bình Sài gòn. Tại đây, Ông Cố làm thư ký văn phòng Trường Trung học An Lạc, giảng viên lớp may cắt Bộ Lao Động thuộc chế độ Việt nam Cộng Hòa.

Biến cố 1975, Ông Bà Cố tìm mọi cách để con cái vượt thoát VN, tìm tự do qua các chuyến vượt biển hãi hung và gian khổ.

Năm 1992, Ông Bà được đoàn tụ với con cái tại Hoa Kỳ. Cũng tại đây, Ông Cố tham gia vào các Đoàn Thể như Legio Mariae, phong trào Tôn Nữ Vương Gia đình …

Tính tình Ông Cố hiền hậu, ít nói, rất yêu thương con cháu và thường xuyên khuyên con cháu cố gắng học hành để nên người, giúp ích cho đời. Có thể nói Ông Cố là người chồng, người Cha, người Ông nhân từ đạo hạnh và cần mẫn. Ông có tinh thần vị tha, cảm thông giúp đỡ những người thiếu may mắn nên được nhiều người kính mến ! Vì tuổi già sức yếu, không đi lại được nhiều, Ông Cố phải bám vào xe lăn để đến phòng nguyện của gia đình cầu nguyện liên lỉ với Chúa hàng ngày.

Cuộc hành trình dương thế đã đến giờ viên mãn, Chúa gọi Ông về ngày 3 tháng 8năm 2010 tại Fountain Valley, hưởng thọ 90 tuổi, trong bình an, thương tiếc và yêu mến của Bà và các con cháu, chắt và mọi người.

WEDDING: Martin Nguyen & Brooke Mann

MARTIN NGUYEN & BROOKE MANN

10 April 2010

Here are some photos of the highlights of the wedding of MARTIN NGUYEN & BROOKE MANN on 10 April 2010. They met at the most unexpected of times, then fell in love making one of the most charmingly blessed couple I have come acrossed. More than 300 guests attended an intimate reception at Canley Height's INTERNATIONAL RESTAURANT. Highlights of the night included the Dong Tam dragon dancing performance, music provided by DJ Tony, New Stars band and Sydney's favourite Vietnamese artist, Minh Tam.

Congratulations to Mr. & Mrs. Nhan Nguyen, Dianne and Craig Mann and little Kai.

View of the Dong Tam dragon dancers from the MC lectern

The Bridal Table

Myself and singer Minh Tam

Myself and the groom MARTIN NGUYEN

Launch of 2010 Red Shield Appeal

Event: 2010 Red Shield Appeal Launch
Date: Thursday 20 May, 2010
Venue: Limelight Cafe, 256 Norton St, Leichhardt

Last week, I attended the official launch of the Salvation Army 2010 Red Shield Appeal. The Salvation Army, in international movement, is an evangelical part of the Christian Church. Part of the mission involves meeting human need wherever it occurs, without discrimination.

Special guest speakers were The Hon. Laurie Ferguson, Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services and Commissioner Linda Bond, Territorial Comander.

Every year, only in the last weekend of the month of May, is the Red Shiel Appeal. This year's national target for the overall Red Shield Appeal, which includes a business appeal and direct mail campaign is $75 million. The doorknock, which is also a major part of the campaign, will be held nationally on the weekend of 29 & 30 May, 2010.

To give to the Red Shield Appeal, please call 13 SALVOS, visit salvos.org.au, donate at any Westpac branch, or post a cheque to PO Box 9888 in your capital city.

WEDDING: Metua Carson & Quynh-Nhu Nguyen

METS CARSON & QUYNH NHU NGUYEN
26 March 2010

These two wonderful individuals met during a trip in Melbourne two years ago. Mets was there for a boys weekend, while Quynh-Nhu for a girls weekend, but then their mutual friends, Imran & Porlleak (Best Man & Maid of Honour) introduced Mets to Quynh-Nhu, and this was where all the magic started.

Asked the bride what she love most about the groom. Quynh-Nhu says Mets is someone who bout the makes her laugh everyday and she knows, that life with him will never be boring. He’s someone who surprises her everyday, and waking up early to make her breakfast and healthy lunches. He’s described as an honest and uncomplicated person who gives his true thoughts on everything.

And she was right. And being an uncomplicated person he is, Mets gave a much shorter answer. He says there is not one thing about Quynh-Nhu he doesn’t love, he loves her for who she is.

The reception with the attendance of 300 guests was held at International Restaurant in Canley Heights. Highlights of the evening included a special performance of the Cook Island musicians, Asian music provided by New Stars Band featuring Minh Tam.

The "shy" father of the bride and his Cook Island dancer partner

JH and guest Kim Nguyen

JH and the Best Man

At the Bridal table with the bridesmaids
JH & singer Minh Tam

KHOA DO: Film-making in the Vietnamese Diaspora

In October last year, in preparation for a Film Discussion Forum I organised: "Film-making in the Vietnamese Diaspora" held at Fairfield School of Arts, I had the chance of catching up with Australian film director Khoa Do to ask him for some thoughts in the topic. Now, in celebrating the upcoming world premiere of "MOTHERFISH", I'd like to post up some of his interesting comments:

Did you want to become a film-maker as a child?

No, I spent too much time "cat chi" to think about films. But I've always loved telling stories. I used to tell stories in class, write stories and make up stories.

What are the challenges involved in film-making?

1. You can't eat durian on your film set because your cinematographer will drop the camera.
2. You can't film a sunrise scene with Vietnamese actors because they will all come half an hour late, after the sun has risen.
3. You can't have a chinese chess set on your film set because the Vietnamese actors will all be playing chess instead of acting.
4. You can't have Joseph Dinh on set as he makes everything Vietnamese.

What would you like to see in the future of the Viet film industry ?

Highly original, truthful stories with amazing performances and compelling narratives. Stories that express a unique and distinct Vietnamese voice.

What advice could you give to young people aspiring to enter the film industry?

1. Study hard to get into medicine.
2. If you don't get into medicine, try dentistry.
3. If you don't get into dentistry, try accounting.
4. If you can't count, try filmmaking

(c) copyright 2009 - Joseph Hieu Dinh. Please seek permission before duplication in any form.

Back row (L2R): Myself, Khoa Do & Tri Vo (President of Vietnamese Community)
Photo: Khoa Do's 30th Birthday

Back row (L2R): Vico Thai ("MotherFish" actor), Guido Gonzales & Shane MacDonald ("Footy Legends") and myself

Fairfield Champion: OUR BEAUTIES ARE WINNERS

They came, they saw, they conquered - and they have the crowns to prove it. Fairfield Champion Melanie Kembrey reports.

THERE must be something in the water in Fairfield.

Our girls dominated the Miss Viet Uc 2010 beauty pageant and sashayed away with the top crowns.

Anna Vo, Serina Duong, Kelly Phuong and Thi Liu defeated 16 queen-wannabes to take out the coveted Miss Viet-Uc, first and second runner-up and Miss Congeniality crowns.

They batted their eyelashes, modelled their traditional Vietnamese dresses and talked about changing the world in front of more than 600 people.

Ms Vo, who won the beauty pageant, said it was no surprise that Fairfield girls dominated the competition.

"I honestly definitely think Fairfield has the most beautiful girls in Australia," she says.

Ms Vo, 20 of Canley Heights, isn't your run-f-the-mill beauty pageant winner.

She enjoys reading history books, wants to be a criminologist and says she's a "nerd."

"It's a bit of a struggle to go between the worlds of studying and pageant," Ms Vo said.

She won $10,000 worth of prizes - including airline tickets - and, of course, the crown.

"When they announced my name I started crying because I was so in shock," she said.

"I'm going on a trip to Vietnam and will probably save the rest of the money."

Second runner-up Serina Duong, 20, of Canley Vale, said the pageant was just like a scene from a movie.

"It was exactly like a movie but without all the drama and the figiting between the girls," Ms Duong said.

"I've never done anything like this before so it was all new to me."

"We tried to keep it real."

The young women rehearsed twice a week for more than three months to prepare for the competition.

They competed in formal wear, swimwear, ao dai (traditional Vietnamese long dress) and question-and-answer categories.

The beauties all agreed that their crowns were far too heavy to wear when they were watching television at home.

"They are really heavy and actually kind of hurt," Ms Vo said.

"We wore them to the pageant after-party and all complained afterwards."

Bankstown Torch: MISS VIET UC ANNOUNCED

SIXTEEN competitors from all over Australia - including two Bankstown girls - took part in the finals of MISS VIET-UC 2010 competition.

Host of the event, Vanity Management managing director Amanda Le said the annual event is one of the most meaningful cultural activities for young Vietnamese Australian women living in Australia.

The finalists included Tammy Thai and Rachel Lam (pictured) from Bankstown. The winners were Anna Vo, who won Miss Viet Uc 2010, with Kelly Phuong award first runner up and Serina Duong, winning second runner up. Miss Viet Uc 2010, Anna Vo, will start her first task by visiting Vietnam and perform charitable activities as well as returning back to Australia for charity and modeling work.