WDA Entertainment

05/06/2024

In celebration of API Month, we honor Sessue Hayakawa, an early Asian icon in Hollywood. Born in Minamiboso, Japan, in 1886, Hayakawa initially trained at the Japanese naval academy before discovering his passion for acting at 15 in the United States.

Hayakawa’s groundbreaking role as a villain in “The Cheat” (1915), including a scene where he brands a woman, defied stereotypes and catapulted him to become one of Hollywood’s earliest s*x symbols. His charm and talent made him immensely popular, alongside icons like Charlie Chaplin and Douglas Fairbanks, establishing him as one of the era’s top-earning stars.

Throughout the years, Hayakawa grew disenchanted with Hollywood’s persistent typecasting and reliance on stereotypes. In response, he boldly founded Haworth Pictures Corporation in 1918. Within three years, the company produced 23 films, challenging prevalent stereotypes and expanding opportunities for Asian representation on screen.

In 1934, the United States implemented the Hays Code in which imposed restrictions on motion pictures, including the portrayal of in*******al love on screen. This led to Hayakawa redirected his career to Europe amidst these challenges. During this time, he unfortunately was trapped in France during WWII, where he later joined the French Resistance to aid the local Japanese community.

Upon returning to America in 1949 at 63, Hayakawa relaunched his acting career for the third time despite continuing to get type casting roles. It wasn’t until 1957, with his work in “The Bridge on the River Kwai,” that he gained recognition, earning nominations at the Golden Globe and Academy Awards for his performances.

After retiring from film in 1966, Hayakawa immersed himself in Zen Buddhism, becoming an ordained Zen master. He dedicated his later years to coaching and teaching until his passing in 1973.

Hayakawa’s legacy endures as a pioneering Asian actor who challenged Hollywood stereotypes, leaving a lasting impact on cinema’s representation. His journey from naval aspirations to Hollywood stardom, resilience during wartime challenges, and commitment to Zen philosophy reflect a life of cultural impact and artistic excellence.

01/01/2024

Let’s rock 2024! 😎🎊✨

12/30/2023

As we embrace the holidays and the final moments of 2023, our team’s excited to share a small present with you.

We've decided to deviate from our initial distribution strategy, opting instead to offer our short film, “Could You Please Repeat That?,” free to the public!

Besides the humble recognitions our film has received, this film - inspired by a true story - is a labor of love that encapsulates the journey of many immigrant families and the evolving role of technology in our lives. It's a story of resilience, of finding home in a new land, and of cherishing the traditions that make us who we are.

In an increasingly fast-paced world that can sometimes feel impersonal, we hope our film can bring a touch of comfort and warmth to your heart.

Once again, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to the incredible cast and crew, our friends, and supporters who have walked the journey with us. Your love and support, no matter how minor it may seem, have enabled us to continue sharing stories that resonate with our core values and the messages our creative hearts long to convey. We look forward to sharing many, many more of our journeys with you.

With love,

A WDA Entertainment & Crimsonedge ProductionIn Association with Operation USA_CastMr. Dang : Long NguyenLittle Moon: Xiaowan JinMai-Ly: Amy BuiLily: Ngoc LeJ...

12/29/2023

Highlights at the WDA Short Showcase Program 2023 Final Quarter "Everything and Nothing at All", written and directed by Derek Nguyen! 🔥

More photos available here:

📸: Vu Hoang

12/03/2023

Happy Birthday !!! ❤️🎉🍾🎁 📸

12/01/2023

Calm your mind with the final WDA SSP selection of 2023: “Everything and Nothing at All” by Derek Nguyen on Wednesday Dec 27 5PM at The Culver Theater. RSVP via the link in bio.

08/11/2023

Casting call for “The Hand of God” by Christopher Copeland () 🎬

07/17/2023

Happy Birthday to our advisory board member Mr. Georges Chamchoum! () 🎉 Our team at WDA is extremely grateful for your continuous guidance and support. We sincerely wish you another year of good luck, great healthy, genuine people, and the biggest smiles on your birthday this year! CHEERS (Georges does not drink!)🥂 🎂🎉

07/01/2023

We are delighted to announce the winner of the WDA Short Film Showcase Program 2023 - Quarter III: “Plum Town” () - a film by Kelly Yu 👏

Following our commitment to support API independent filmmakers & artists, the WDA Short Film Showcase Program was created to help amplify API filmmakers' work, talent, and stories. Quarterly, WDA will handpick ONE short film (under 40 minutes) from rising LA-based API filmmakers to sponsor & organize a special or private screening.

More screening details coming soon. Congratulations again to the “Plum Town” team!

06/17/2023

We are thrilled to extend a warm welcome to our newest Advisory Board Member, Madison Nguyen!

Madison Nguyen is a distinguished American politician and educator from California. She made history to be the first Vietnamese American to secure a seat on the San Jose City Council. In 2011, she made history again after becoming San Jose Vice Mayor for showcasing exceptional leadership skills and unwavering dedication to public service. After she was termed out, Madison continued to have distinguished careers in the non-profit, foundation and private sectors.

Beyond her contributions to the political landscape, Madison has a profound passion for the arts and entertainment. Currently serving as the Executive Vice President at AsianNet Media, she embodies the organization's mission to heighten public awareness for Asian Americans across various platforms.

The Advisory Board of WDA Entertainment plays a crucial role in shaping our company’s strategic decisions, offering valuable knowledge, and providing a fresh perspective on relating industries. We are honored to welcome Madison Nguyen onto our Advisory Board and we look forward to advancing our organization's mission with her remarkable guidance and leadership.

06/13/2023

June 8th, 2023 marks the 38th Annual Vietnamese American Chamber of Commerce (VACOC) Recognition Gala at

Program:
- Cocktail Reception & Red Carpet
- Flag Salute
- Keynotes
- Live Performances
- Award Ceremony
- Course Dining

Organized & executed by WDA Entertainment & the Vietnamese American Chamber of Commerce. Course-catering by .concepts Emceed by & special performances by singer

Visit the link in our bio for more photos & to learn more about our event services.

📸: .york ,

06/08/2023

7 days left! Visit our bio for more info 📺

05/24/2023

At WDA, we offer practical resources for independent filmmakers 🔥 We believe art should be free from social preconditions. It's not about who you know, it's about what your art can do.
Visit the link in our bio for more information

05/20/2023

[Part 2] On Thursday 5.18.23, we had a wonderful time hosting the exclusive screening of KODAMA👺 () - a film written and directed by Brian M. Tang (), starring Brandon Soo Hoo (), Chris Tashima (), Justin Chien (), and Alex Lee ().

On behalf of our teams at WDA & KODAMA, we want to extend our gratitude to our friends, partners, and supporters who attended the screening and made the night possible! 🔥

More photos available here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/CpyVvVazCBc57dSL7

📸 .york

05/20/2023

[Part 1] On Thursday 5.18.23, we had a wonderful time hosting the exclusive screening of KODAMA👺 () - a film written and directed by Brian M. Tang (), starring Brandon Soo Hoo (), Chris Tashima (), Justin Chien (), and Alex Lee ().

On behalf of our teams at WDA & KODAMA, we want to extend our gratitude to our friends, partners, and supporters who attended the screening and made the night possible! 🔥

More photos available here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/CpyVvVazCBc57dSL7

📸 .york

05/18/2023

It's been SAID and DONE: no more outgoing emails from before 12PM & after 5PM effective from 5.22.23! 🎉

05/04/2023

Incoming our first recognition of AAPI Heritage Month! This week we are shining the spotlight on Nhan Le (IG .quang.le) 📡

Nhan Le is an LA-based Vietnamese American storyboard artist, technologist, and filmmaker from Orange County, California.

His work revolves around developing & designing the LED stage technology, as well as guiding companies in the construction, integration, and content generation for Game Engine-based projects. Despite being only 23 years of age, he has been headhunted by renowned studios such as , as well as influential artists like and for the quality and knowledge of his field.

Nhan hopes to make technology advancements more accessible to creatives, as well as creating more stable & long lasting tools to support the new age of storytelling.

Fun fact: he is in the middle of crafting his passion project on Lion Dancing!

Check out .quang.le page & follow his exciting journey.