Community Event
Reflection,
Resilience,
Reimagination
We worked with Southeast Asian American leaders from communities across America as well as the Smithsonian’s Asian Pacific American Center to organize a public film screening, community panel discussion and reception. Reflection, Resilience, Reimagine commemorated 2025 as the 50th year of Vietnamese, Lao, Hmong, Cambodian, lu Mien and Montagnard refugees fleeing to America after the end of the conflicts in the region. The event highlighted the experience and voices of SEAAs, reflecting back and looking forward to the coming 50 years.
We curated the screening block and supported the organizing team to bring together a compelling and memorable event at the Smithsonian Museum of American Art on May 10, 2025.
Photos by Phillip R. Lee
Presenters Included:
Opening Performance:
Cambodian Buddhist SocietyWelcome Remarks:
Dr. Yao-Fen You, Smithsonian Asian Pacific American CenterFilm Screening:
Conversations at the Register - Brandon SounFighting for Family - Lan NguyenMy Name is Lai - Lucy SaephanNew Wave - Elizabeth AiTaking Root - Oanh-Nhi NguyenTeb Chaw (Land) - Joua Lee GrandeCommunity Panel Discussion:
Mai Vang Huizel, Founder and Executive Director of the Hmong MuseumAleena Inthaly, Creative Director with the Lao Food MovementTub Ntxawg Billy Lauj (Billy Lor), Hmong Shaman, Cultural Advocate, and Community LeaderErin Phuong Steinhauer, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Vietnam SocietySochietah Ung, Multidisciplinary Performance ArtistFacilitator: KaYing Yang, President, RedGreen Rivers and KaYing + CommunityOrganizing Team:
Chhaya Chhoum
Co-Director,
Southeast Asian Freedom Network
Joua Lee Grande
Filmmaker & Community Organizer,
Azalu House
Mai Vang Huizel
Founder and Executive Director,
Hmong Museum
Stephanie Hunt
Board of Directors Vice-Chair,
Laotian American National Alliance
Erin Phuong Steinhauer
Co-Founder and Executive Director,
Vietnam Society
Nou Vang
Community Leader
KaYing Yang
President,
RedGreen Rivers and KaYing + Community
Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center
Rick H. Lee
Director of External Affairs and Strategic Partnerships
Mia Owens
Curatorial Assitant