Meet the Team
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Joua Lee Grande
PRODUCER & DIRECTOR
Joua is a Minneapolis-based filmmaker whose work often highlights underrepresented experiences. Her work has been seen on PBS, WORLD Channel and has been supported by ITVS, Kartemquin Films, Center for Asian American Media, Jerome Foundation, MN Humanities Center, and more. She has over a decade of experience working with underserved communities in nonprofits and grassroots efforts.
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Nicole Tsien
PRODUCER
Nicole is a producer based in Queens, New York. She previously worked in television for over a decade; most recently as the Director of Program Development at CNN Films. She was formerly the Co-Producer of POV and has participated in various notable film labs and fellowships across the nation. Nicole is on the Steering Committee for the Asian American Documentary Network (A-Doc) and is a board member of Brown Girls Doc Mafia.
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July Vang Xiong
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER
& IMPACT CO-PRODUCERJuly is an actress-turned-producer and an interdisciplinary consultant across sectors. Her approach is rooted in the philosophy of collaboration, social justice and systems change. Her work, from grassroots efforts to arts leadership to corporate consulting, aims to dismantle oppressive systems and narratives. July is also a survivor, advocate, and community educator on inter-intracultural gender-based violence.
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Rachel Mueller
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Rachel is a director and cinematographer whose work has been featured in The New York Times, PBS and Yale Climate Connections. Her thesis film was awarded the Reva and David Logan Prize for Excellence in Investigative Reporting. She has been supported by the International Documentary Association, IF/Then Shorts and more.
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Kou Lee
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Kou is a filmmaker and cinematographer whose passion for storytelling guides his work on documentaries, music videos and event videography. His work includes music video “Hmoob Zaj” with rapper Shong Lee which garnered over 2.2 million views on Youtube.
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Hannah Choe
Hannah's credits include Family Tree, Eat Bitter, Crossings and additional editing on Emergent City. Her work has aired on HBO Max, PBS and screened at Sundance, Tribeca, Full Frame, Hot Docs, CPH:DOX and other major festivals. She was a Karen Schmeer Diversity in the Edit Room fellow and a contributing editor at the Sundance Documentary Edit & Story Lab.
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Cameron PajYeeb Yang
EDITOR IN EMERITUS*
Cam (they/them) is a Hmong queer, transgender filmmaker whose media work highlights powerful and multidimensional Hmong stories. Their work has been supported by SPNN and Jubilee and had screened at various community events across the Twin Cities. Cam also has extensive experience in nonprofits, activism and community organizing.
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Tub Ntxawg Billy Lauj (Billy Lor)
FILM PARTICIPANT & IMPACT CO-PRODUCER
Billy is a Master Hmoob shaman with a wealth of experience in holistic healing and cultural consulting. With over a decade of experience, Billy has performed hundreds of ceremonies across the U.S. and has consulted on ceremonies globally. Billy’s platform “Hey Billy" educates on Hmong traumas, culture, art, and spirituality.
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Pachia Xiong
IMPACT CAMPAIGN GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Pachia Xiong is a Hmong-American multidisciplinary artist with a background in design and communications. Stimulated by the psychology of design and interaction, she is fueled to use art to heal and connect. She has provided visual design consultation to academics, non-profits, corporations, and startups.
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