Intersections Docuseries

11/10/2023

🌟 Film Spotlight: “Intersections- Pilot Episode for Season 1- "Meet the Đà Nẵng Gang"
(Intersections Docuseries)

📜 This is the pilot episode of Trần Văn Kirk’s documentary series, Intersections, which will cover the lives of the “Children of the Dust” – the English translation of a derogatory Vietnamese term (“bụi đời”) for the Amerasian children fathered by American military servicemembers and civilian contractors during the Vietnam War.

👇Click the “Film Guide” tab in our link below to learn how to watch the film virtually!
https://vff2023.eventive.org/films/64af91f9c6f758002e745aeb

20/09/2023

We are honored to announce that the online world premier of the multi-award winning pilot episode of the Intersections Docuseries, "Meet the Da Nang Gang" will be featured as a part of the 2023 Viet Film Fest line up!!!! Please visit the link below for the film fest schedule of events and the showtimes for this and other award winning films!

https://vff2023.eventive.org/films/64af91f9c6f758002e745aeb

06/08/2023

https://vimeo.com/851982963

In this promotional piece we honor the men, women, and military service members that helped shape the lives of the orphans and Amerasians from the era of the Vietnam War into what they are today.

The deeper we dig into the layers of the Vietnam War, the more stories we discover of compassion and sacrifice from the orphanages across Vietnam, to the airfield of Operation Baby Lift, to battlefields where over 52,000 US service members lost their lives, and into the homes of the adoptive families that took us in.

"Unsung Hero"
For King and Country
(c) 2022 Word Entertainment
All Rights Reserved- Used with Permissions

In this promotional piece we honor the men, women, and military service members that helped shape the lives of the orphans and Amerasians from the era of the Vietnam…

18/07/2023

The layers of stories to this incredible journey transcends many generations!

Fifty years after the last American troops left the battle-scarred land of Vietnam, the war’s legacy is still evolving in the form of a new connection between a 71-year-old Marine veteran in …

10/07/2023

https://youtu.be/yLJ0yeMUuE0

The Director/EP of the Intersections Docuseries, Tran Van Kirk, was invited to be a guest on Asian Pacific Voices TV/Radio in San Diego, CA to share intimate details of his personal journey and how it has evolved into this film project.

In this episode we are joined by documentary filmmaker Tran Van Kirk, who’s story highlights reconnecting and reclaiming identity and the journey to self dis...

13/06/2023

We are humbled and pleased to share that the Pilot Episode of the Intersections Docuseries has been officially selected to be in the 2023 Viet Film Festival! It's a blessing to see that the impact that the stories we are sharing through this film project will reach far and wide to help us change the world, one life at a time.

As the largest international Vietnamese film festival in the world, Viet Film Fest showcases the best creative work by and about Vietnamese people. Their award-winning films have been screened in numerous cities and countries. Viet Film Fest was created in 2003 by the Vietnamese American Arts & Letters Association (VAALA) to celebrate the many stories about Vietnamese people. Now running successfully for over a decade, the festival has attracted thousands of national and international attention for its stunning showcase of shorts and features submitted from many corners of the world, including Australia, Cambodia, Canada, France, Germany, Israel, Japan, Korea, Norway, the Philippines, Poland, United Kingdom, Singapore, the United States, and Vietnam.

Viet Film Fest also serves as an important educational space for learning about the historical and contemporary experiences of Vietnamese people. While always giving audiences the best in entertainment, Viet Film Fest is proud to offer free special screenings for high school students and senior citizens as part of our commitment to use art as a tool for social change. Viet Film Fest welcomes your support in our collaborative project to use cinema as a tool for spotlighting our diversity of voices.

07/06/2023

The Cast and Crew of the Intersections film project are humbled and blessed to be the recipients of a Silver Telly from the 44th Annual Telly Awards.

Having the opportunity to share these sometimes painful, yet amazing and inspirational stories that are backdropped against a horrific time in world history is a blessing beyond belief.

We are super stoked and excited about the public release of the series, but it is pending an agreement of ongoing film distribution negotiations. Private screenings will be available at select events around the country. Follow the “Intersections Docuseries” page and stay tuned in for updates and private screening schedules for a venue near you.

The Intersections Documentary Series film project is a part of the The SEAcoast2Coast Foundation’s Multimedia Influence and Education program which aims to educate and share stories, connections, and influence to accomplish it's missions, enhance it's programs, and help change the world, one life at a time.



Photo - Director/Executive Producer, Tran Van Kirk with the Silver Telly from the 44th Annual Telly Awards (2023)

23/05/2023

We are proud and honored to announce that the pilot episode for season 1 of the Intersections Docuseries , “Chapter 1-Meet the Đà Nẵng Gang” was just selected for the Silver Telly Award for the 44th Annual Telly Awards in the category of Long Format Documentary. We are humbled that these stories are being recognized for the inspirational and healing values that we established as the true benchmarks for the project’s success.

The Intersections Documentary Series film project is a part of the The SEAcoast2Coast Foundation’s Multimedia Influence and Education program which aims to educate and share stories, connections, and influence to accomplish it's missions, enhance it's programs, and help change the world, one life at a time.

The Telly Awards is the premier award honoring video and television across all screens. Established in 1979, The Telly Awards typically receives over 12,000 entries a year from all 50 states and 5 continents. The Telly Awards’ 44th annual edition - “Break through the static” - boasted nearly 13,000 entries from across the globe, the most in a decade, with submissions flowing in from the US, Middle East, UK and Canada, as well as strong entries from Malaysia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and as widespread as Afghanistan, Sweden, New Zealand, Jamaica, and South Africa. “The caliber of the work this season truly has reflected the theme of breaking out and standing out,” said The Telly Awards Executive Director Sabrina Dridje.Entrants are judged by The Telly Awards Judging Council—an industry body of over 200 leading experts including advertising agencies, production companies, and major television networks, reflective of the multiscreen industry The Telly Awards celebrates. Partners of The Telly Awards include Green The Bid, SeriesFest, Video Consortium, Ghetto Film School, We Are Parable, Future of Film, NAB, Stash, NYWIFT, Production Hub with support from The Commercial Director’s Diversity Program

12/04/2023

We are pleased to announce that the very first private screening of the multiple award winning pilot episode of the Intersections Docuseries will be premiered by the Catalyst Foundation at the “New Vietnam Inspiration and Connection” conference in Las Vegas, Nevada on Saturday, April 15th at 12:00 PM at the Platinum Hotel. A huge thank you to the President and Founder of the Catalyst Foundation, Caroline Nguyễn Ticarro, for making this possible! Please see the information below to register for this event before it is sold out!

31/03/2023

Even after half a century, these stories are impactful....

A HUGE THANK YOU to John Tuohy, a reporter with The IndyStar | USA TODAY for highlighting this story in a Special Edition commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the end of US involvement in the Vietnam War. Even after half a century, little known stories back dropped by this horrible time in history are coming to light and helping us understand and deal with the long term effects of war.

24/03/2023

Part of the Intersections Docuseries film project is to tell stories of Vietnam Veterans whose lives have intersected with others in ways that have resulted in unexpected healing…this is one of them❤️

https://www.facebook.com/104240724785557/posts/693119985897625/?mibextid=SDPelY

For one Marine, inspirational stories of the rescued eclipse haunting thoughts of wounded children

24/03/2023

So proud of people like Alejandro. What an amazing representation of our next generation of artist and givers 😎🤙🏾😊

https://www.facebook.com/104240724785557/posts/692862209256736/?mibextid=SDPelY

While attending an event to support the book launch tour of Nguyên Phân Quê Mãi’s fictional novel, “Dust Child” & to promote SEA2C, a vivid reminder of the trans-generational impact we’re having was presented. A young man in attendance by the name of Alejandro Minh Ruiz composed a poem while listening to compelling stories of the journeys of AmerAsians from around the country. His poetic message was to inspire Vietnamese and AmerAsian artists, but carries a universal message for everyone.

We are blessed that to know that the next generation of compassionate givers like Alejandro understands our mission and wants to carry it forward.

22/03/2023

If you are able, please watch this amazing and deep discussion about the newly released fiction novel by award winning Author, Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai, "Dust Child". The stories in this novel hit at the very heart of what the Intersections Docuseries is all about! It is well worth the watch!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxHh_4wJy0s

Join international bestselling author and poet Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai in conversation with host of The Vietnamese podcast Kenneth Nguyen to discuss her second novel written in English, Dust Child. Described by Viet Thanh Nguyen as “powerful and deeply empathetic… A heartbreaking tale of lost ideals, human devotion, and hard-won redemption,” Dust Child is set both during the Việt Nam War and in present day Việt Nam. Dust Child tells an unforgettable story of how those who inherited tragedy can redefine their destinies through love, hard-earned wisdom, compassion, courage, and joy.

Quế Mai’s debut novel in English, The Mountains Sing, was an international bestseller, runner-up for the 2021 Dayton Literary Peace Prize, winner of the 2020 Book Browse Best Debut Award, the 2021 International Book Awards, the 2021 PEN Oakland/Josephine Miles Literary Award, and the 2020 Lannan Literary Award Fellowship for Fiction.
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Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai Born and raised in Việt Nam, Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai is the author of The Mountains Sing, runner-up for the 2021 Dayton Literary Peace Prize, winner of the 2020 Book Browse Best Debut Award, the 2021 International Book Awards, the 2021 PEN Oakland/Josephine Miles Literary Award, and the 2020 Lannan Literary Award Fellowship for Fiction. She has published twelve books of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction and has received some of the top literary prizes in Việt Nam. Her writing has been translated into twenty languages and has appeared in major publications, including the New York Times. She has a PhD in creative writing from Lancaster University. She is an advocate for the rights of disadvantaged groups in Việt Nam and has founded several scholarship programs, and she was named by Forbes Vietnam as one of twenty inspiring women of 2021.

Kenneth Nguyen is the host of The Vietnamese podcast and has recorded over 250 podcasts since he began in 2020. Previously, Kenneth held positions in the film industry before venturing out to develop film projects. A founding partner of Wave Releasing and EAST Films, Kenneth executive produced Saigon Electric including worked on Owl and the Sparrow, De Mai Tinh, and Six Inch Heels. Kenneth Nguyen served honorably as a former U.S. Marine (1993-97) and holds a B.A degree from the University of Southern California.

Quyen Ngo is an actor, organizer, and trainer based in Los Angeles. She is the narrator of Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai’s Dust Child, as well as her debut novel, The Mountains Sing, which was a Finalist of the Audie 2021 Best Audiobook of the Year Award. She began her acting journey in middle school and continued training during her time at Brown University, where she also ventured into radio and voice acting. She is a translator of Vietnamese poetry and prose and believes both narration and translation work are sacred arts.

Dr. Jason R. Nguyen is a celebrated musician of Vietnamese traditional music. He holds a dual-doctorate in Ethnomusicology and Communication & Culture from Indiana University, Bloomington. He has collaborated with Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai and Quyên Ngô in many performances to uplift Vietnamese literature. Trained as one of the top virtuosos of the single-string đàn bầu in the world, Jason is committed to using intergenerational dialogue to heal collective trauma. Forging a unique path as an artist and scholar, Jason has adapted all he has learned to contemporary contexts and communities, while respecting the deep knowledge and experience of his hereditary, spiritual and intellectual ancestors. For more information: soulgook.com

Featuring performances by Quyen Ngo and Dr. Jason R. NguyenMonday, Mar 20, 2023 | 7:00pmMark Taper Auditorium-Central LibraryJoin international bestselling a...

22/03/2023

From the Intersections Docuseries Director | EP - Trần Văn Kirk (Kellerhals)

In 1969 I was born during the war in Vietnam. My birth mother named me Tran Van Hung.

Soon after, I was forcibly taken from my mother by her brother on the orders of their father (my Grandfather) and surrendered to the Sacred Heart Orphanage in Da Nang, Vietnam. To prevent my mother from being able to find me at the orphanage, my name was changed to Nguyen Viet Hung.

In 1972, I was adopted by a US Army Major that was serving in the war and was given the name, Kirk Paul Kellerhals

Today in 2023, I am proud to say that as a part of my crazy journey of self discovery and learning more about who I am, I have re-claimed my identity. I have legally changed my name to Trần Văn Kirk to reclaim my Vietnamese roots and identity, and to honor the life and name lovingly given to me by my adoptive parents. To those that know me, and to those that don't...you can still call me "Kirk"!

14/03/2023

Our Script Advisor / Executive Producer, Nguyen Pham Que Mai was featured on today’s edition of USA TODAY national newspaper talking about the very issues that her new book, Dust Child” and this documentary series is all about. Sometimes, the Universe simply smiles, and opens up ❤️

Check out this article from USA TODAY:

She searched for a father she'd never met. Then, after 52 years, they found each other.

Trauma is a root cause of many Vietnam veterans rejecting their Amerasian children, those from relationships between women and soldiers.

10/03/2023

"INTERSECTIONS" Director | EP, Tran Van Kirk (Kellerhals) had the opportunity to sit with Kenneth Nguyen on "The Vietnamese" radio podcast station out of Los Angeles, CA to share intimate details about his life and how the Intersections Docuseries project came to life.

***Intersections Docuseries SPOILER ALERT***
In 2017, on a whim, Kirk submitted to a DNA test simply to determine his full ethnicity and maybe connect with a distant biological relative. The results led Kirk to discover that his birth mother and birth father were indeed alive and well and that he had brothers and sisters that he didn’t know existed. Kirk also discovered that his birth mother, whom he thought had been killed in the Vietnam War, had been searching for him for over 40 years.

A huge THANK YOU Kenneth for sharing this story with your audience!

Please visit the link below to hear this interview!

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6vnRkXQQBAVg3HX6durUko?fbclid=IwAR2SdfDji0xmI75MD29aTp1_Jb3aqd9SYl7xROVZhLLSxnj6IsU_xT3GGSY

07/03/2023

LOCAL INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORE SELLING ASIAN AMERICAN, LANGUAGE LEARNING, CHINESE MANDARIN, MARTIAL ARTS, TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE BOOKS, QIGONG BOOKS, ART SUPPLIES, CHINESE PHILOSOPHY, EASTERN RELIGIONS, ETHNIC STUDIES

06/03/2023

From the Director- Trần Văn Kirk (Kellerhals)

It's hard to believe that today is the 1-year anniversary of my birth father's death.

For those that don't know, I found my birth father after nearly 48 years of believing that he had been killed in the war in Vietnam. In the short 5 years that I had to get to know him, I learned that like me, he had a very twisted and dry sense of humor, so in his honor, I'll share a story that even he would laugh at.


Upon returning to the US after serving in Vietnam, he got a job with the the US Postal Service as a mailman. He worked for the USPS for over 40 years before retiring. After he passed away, he was cremated. Once I returned home to Virginia, I made arrangements to have his cremated remains shipped to me so that I could find an appropriate final resting place for him.

A few months later, his remains were delivered to me...in my mail box...by the US Postal Service. How ironic...eh? You can't make stuff like this up! So now you all know just another very small part of my insane and wonderful journey!

-Trần Văn Kirk (Kellerhals)

06/03/2023

We are honored to announce that Dr. Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai is joining the "Intersections" Documentary Film Series Production Team as an Executive Producer and Script Advisor.

​
Dr. Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai is bringing her many years of experience in film consulting to the project. She is the internationally best-selling author of The Mountains Sing and Dust Child. Her writing has been translated into twenty languages and has won many prestigious awards including the 2020 BookBrowse Best Debut Award, the 2021 International Book Awards, the 2021 PEN Oakland/Josephine Miles Literary Award, and the 2020 Lannan Literary Award Fellowship for "contribution to peace and reconcilation". Born and grew up in Vietnam and fluent in Vietnamese and English, Dr. Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai will help ensure that elements of Vietnamese culture, society and history are appropriately represented in "Intersections". Experienced in Amerasian issues through her many years of research and journalistic work related to her novel, Dust Child, which comprehensively documents the experiences of Amerasians left behind in Vietnam as well as their parents, Quế Mai will bring valuable insights into the project.

Born and raised in Vietnam, Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai is the author of the international bestseller The Mountains Sing, runner-up for the 2021 Dayton Literary Peace Prize, winner of the 2020 BookBrowse Best Debut Award, the 2021 International Book Awards, the 2021 PEN Oakland/Josephine Miles Literary Award, and the 2020 Lannan Literary Award Fellowship for Fiction. She has published twelve books of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction in Vietnamese and English and has received some of the top literary prizes in Việt Nam. Her writing has been translated into twenty languages and has appeared in major publications, including the New York Times. She has a PhD in creative writing from Lancaster University. She is an advocate for the rights of disadvantaged groups in Việt Nam and was named by Forbes Vietnam as one of twenty inspiring women of 2021. Dust Child is her second novel. For more information, visit: www.nguyenphanquemai.com.

The Intersections Documentary Series film project is a part of the The SEAcoast2Coast Foundation’s Multimedia Influence and Education program which aims to educate and share stories, connections, and influence to accomplish it's missions, enhance it's programs, and help change the world, one life at a time.

05/03/2023

Exciting news coming soon for the "Intersections" Documentary Film series! Stay tuned!

Intersections is an award winning documentary style series that explores the lives of the "Children of the Dust"; a Vietnamese term to refer to the mixed-race children born in Vietnam during the war. In many cases, they were orphaned and adopted into families around the world and now their journeys are intersecting with the unexpected gift of touching lives across multiple generations as a they turn the tide on the stigmas attached to the Vietnam War. The series also shares the stories of the men, women, and military service members that helped shape their lives. These are their stories... in their own words.

01/03/2023

So honored to have award winning, International best selling Author Nguyen Phan Que Mai’s support for our film project!

If you’re going to be in the Orange County | Los Angeles area March 19th-20th, please consider coming out to support award winning, International best selling Author, Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai with the launch of her phenomenal new novel “Dust Child” and attend the Uplifting AmerAsians event and fundraiser. Details at the link below!

https://nguyenphanquemai.com/page/uplifting-amerasians.html

18/02/2023

We are honored to announce that INTERSECTIONS was selected for an "Excellence" Award for Documentary Feature Film in the 2023 Docs Without Borders International Film Festival. Knowing that the stories we are sharing are impactful and is changing lives is what this film project is all about.

The Intersections Documentary Series film project is a part of the The SEAcoast2Coast Foundation’s Multimedia Influence and Education program which aims to educate and share stories, connections, and influence to accomplish it's missions, enhance it's programs, and help change the world, one life at a time.

02/02/2023

23/01/2023

And that’s a wrap! Last full day in Vietnam. We were able to catch some amazing testimonies and footage on this crazy never ending journey. Can’t wait to share it with the rest of the world!