Most actors I know who pay attention to award season find it to be a time of great inspiration and deep reflection about their own careers. This one was no different for me. And without opining too much on who won, who didn't win, and who should have received a much deserved nomination, I must say I was moved to happy tears alongside my community of Asian friends and actors as history was made! Here though, I'd simply like to share more on what I believe it takes to keep an elusive dream alive: Courage & Longevity.

C O U R A G E
I've been thinking a lot about how to transform my ability to see hypothetical outcomes in the negative far more clearly than being able to see them as successes. Maybe it's a defense mechanism to guard against heartbreak and disappointment. Some might even call it being a realist. But if it can all fail (your greatest dream, your highest goal, your most desired outcome) shouldn't the possibility exist that it can all come to fruition and be exactly as you desire it to be, if not better? I'm working on answering YES to this question more and more. But it takes courage, something I've had to redefine recently.

Beyond faithless optimism, to me courage is:

1. Believing that the universe is limitless - putting limits on what is possible and what I am capable of is at best counter productive, and at worst self-sabotaging.
2. The ability to be discerning - knowing that I have refined wisdom and will be able to  identify the right steps to take in any given situation.
3. Being confident that I can overcome any obstacle - disappointment, fear, failure, heartbreak are all part of the journey. I am capable of withstanding any setback and strong enough to bounce back better and wiser for it.
4. Following my soul's calling - regardless of recognition, reward, or even acknowledgement, I must know from the depths of my own being that I am fulfilling the mission only I can fulfill.

L O N G E V I T Y
This job ain't for the weak! It's also not for those who are seeking nano speed success. I firmly believe our greatest success isn't even sustainable if we haven't had the time to build a sturdy foundation and develop some character along the way. Michelle Yeoh said in her speech "Don't let anyone say you're past your prime". I literally crossed my legs--all sassy like--and proclaimed to the group of friends who'd gathered to watch the Oscars last Sunday, "Exactly, 'cause I need time." 

It's been said many times over: This is long ball. A marathon. A process. I will never forget something Glynn Turman said at a panel years ago. I am paraphrasing here, but it was something to the effect of "Keep honing your craft, and eventually your talent will make a way for you." I believe this with my whole life. In fact, the proof of my absolute trust in this truth is that I am still here! 

What a weekend at the City of Angels Women's Film Festival. Our short film CLING screened on Saturday in a block of truly great films 🎥. Shout out to Mel Mah our director and Giuseppe Russo our concept artist/storyboard artist & Executive Producer!

We were nominated for Best Short Short and took home the trophy 🏆 for Best Actress! Such an honor 🙌🏾. THANK YOU Lisa, Amanda, and all of the organizers and sponsors for creating space to celebrate women filmmakers and women's stories in film! Fantastic festival!

Highlights from the 2022 COAWFF where CLING screens as an official selection. Director, Mel Mah participates in Q&A. Giuseppe Russo and Enisha Brewster attend the Awards Gala in North Hollywood. Enisha Brewster wins Best Actress for the short film CLING.

Here it is! Our poster for CLING is out and published.
And to sweeten the update, I am pleased to share that CLING is just weeks away from being fully completed! Next steps? We are compiling a list of festivals to submit our short to and see about earning some awards. Have any suggestions?

I have to say--this being my maiden voyage across the filmmaking seas--I was not expecting to feel so accomplished and feel so proud of having arrived here. Here, with a nearly completed film, that I am incredibly proud of. I am proud of the script, proud of the acting, proud of the quality. Proud of my team! The journey itself has taught me so much about what it feels like to keep marching in the direction of your goals. No matter what. There were plenty of times when the voice of doubt, the voice that repeatedly told me that no one would care and no one would help, was mightier than my will. So how then did I get here? 

The team. More than anything, I learned the value of having visionary do-ers around who genuinely believe in me. When imposter syndrome threatened to kill this project before it was even fully formed, I had people checking in, asking for another draft, reminding me that deadlines were approaching, and basically just bigging me up. Priceless. More on this to come...

For today, I simply want to celebrate the release of our poster and welcome anyone who wants to get in on supporting this project through its last few stages before completion. It's not too late to donate to our crowdfunding campaign by clicking the link below. Jump on board!

​Please note: Contributions of any size are still welcomed, however, Executive Producer, and Special Thanks credits are no longer available as Thank You's, as we have pictured locked our film. All other Thank You Gifts will apply according to donation size.