
JEN TSAI - PRODUCER/DIRECTOR
Jen Tsai
is a Taiwanese born independent filmmaker living in Texas,
who loves using film to
tell stories. Her films have a poetic quality and
reveal many layers of life. Graduated from The University of
Texas at Austin in 1996, Jen has produced and directed various
projects such as
cultural talk shows, short films, music videos and animations. "Cultural
Chatterbox," a show about the Asian communities in Austin, has been
aired locally in Austin. Jen has also directed and produced several
episodic shows for the American Asian Alliance based in Austin.
Besides creating
her own projects, Jen has worked on numerous film and video projects.
A superior organizer and leader, Jen earned the nickname, "Little
General" while working as Production Manager on feature films. Jen
wrote and directed the short film “When”, which has
been well received at film festivals around the world. Not Lost, her
first
feature length documentary is based on the Sudanese refugees
commonly known as the “lost boys”.
Jen's
own experience as a foreigner in America helps her relate to
some of the issues the "lost
boys" face. Jen is currently based in Asia where she continues
to work in the media industry. She worked as a production manager
at Discovery Networks Asia, and is currently freelance producting
various projects including commercials, documentaries and corporate
videos etc.
DAVID AUSTIN – PRODUCER/EDITOR
David
Austin is a film/video producer and editor. Being in the film/video
industry for more than 15 years, his experience ranges
from the smallest video projects to feature films to a CBS television
series and Olympic Qualifier sports web cast. David was a producer/editor
at Zee TV USA Inc., a satellite television network from India and
one of the largest in the world. David graduated from the University
of North Texas in 1993 with a degree in Radio Television Film,
and a minor in Anthropology. His experience working among different
cultures and his extensive knowledge in world culture and history
makes him a valuable asset to this project. David is currently based
in Asia where he continues to write, direct and produce.
A note from the filmmakers...
The filmmakers hope that Not Lost not
only presents a compelling human nature story that inspires the
audience, but
that it also opens the general public's eyes and minds. The majority
of
Americans are not aware of refugees living among them and there
are often misconceptions of who is benefiting from the refugee
resettlement
program. Many people have the misguided idea that refugees are
here for "freebies," and many more do not realize that
wars and famines around the world are still creating refugees daily.
If this documentary could bring awareness to the American public
that tragedies around the world are constantly taking place and
there is a need for humanitarian assistance, abroad and locally;
that would
be a success. The producers believe that everyone has something
to contribute to human kind. By extending a hand to help someone
not
as fortunate or simply by being a friend to someone new in the
neighborhood, small acts of kindness can add up quickly and powerfully.
There are
many people who have not heard of the "lost boys"' story.
Learning about the journey these refugees have gone through, the
audience will be reminded of the strength of the human spirit and
what their own life's priorities are. Perhaps the audience can draw
from these "lost boys'" the courage to face their own
daily dilemmas.
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